Psalms 59:16

Authorized King James Version

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנִ֤י׀

H589

אָשִׁ֣יר

H7891

But I will sing

to sing

עֻזֶּךָ֮

H5797

of thy power

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

וַאֲרַנֵּ֥ן

H7442

yea I will sing aloud

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

לַבֹּ֗קֶר

H1242

in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

חַ֫סְדֶּ֥ךָ

H2617

of thy mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיִ֣יתָ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִשְׂגָּ֣ב

H4869

for thou hast been my defence

misgab, a place in moab

#10

לִ֑י

#11

וּ֝מָנ֗וֹס

H4498

and refuge

a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing

#12

בְּי֣וֹם

H3117

in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#13

צַר

H6862

of my trouble

a pebble (as in h6864)

#14

לִֽי׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on mercy address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?