Psalms 59:14

And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיָשֻׁ֣בוּ

H7725

let them return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לָ֭עֶרֶב

H6153

And at evening

dusk

יֶהֱמ֥וּ

H1993

and let them make a noise

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

כַכָּ֗לֶב

H3611

like a dog

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

וִיס֥וֹבְבוּ

H5437

and go round about

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

עִֽיר׃

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?