Psalms 59:2
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
Original Language Analysis
הַ֭צִּילֵנִי
Deliver
H5337
הַ֭צִּילֵנִי
Deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
1 of 6
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
מִפֹּ֣עֲלֵי
me from the workers
H6466
מִפֹּ֣עֲלֵי
me from the workers
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
2 of 6
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
H205
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
3 of 6
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
וּֽמֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י
men
H582
וּֽמֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
Historical Context
The superscription references 1 Samuel 19:11 when Saul sent men to watch David's house to kill him. Michal's warning and David's escape through a window demonstrated both human and divine provision for deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the moral and physical dimensions of threats shape your prayers?
- What does God's pattern of providing deliverance through both human and divine means teach about providence?
Analysis & Commentary
David's prayer for deliverance uses two parallel descriptions of enemies: 'workers of iniquity' and 'bloody men.' The Hebrew 'aven' (iniquity/wickedness) indicates not mere error but active evil. 'Bloody men' (literally 'men of bloods') emphasizes violent intent. This dual description reveals that David's enemies are both morally corrupt and physically dangerous, requiring divine intervention.