Psalms 59:4

Authorized King James Version

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They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.

Original Language Analysis

בְּֽלִי H1097
בְּֽלִי
Strong's: H1097
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
עָ֭וֹן themselves without my fault H5771
עָ֭וֹן themselves without my fault
Strong's: H5771
Word #: 2 of 7
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
יְרֻצ֣וּן They run H7323
יְרֻצ֣וּן They run
Strong's: H7323
Word #: 3 of 7
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
וְיִכּוֹנָ֑נוּ and prepare H3559
וְיִכּוֹנָ֑נוּ and prepare
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 4 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
ע֖וּרָה awake H5782
ע֖וּרָה awake
Strong's: H5782
Word #: 5 of 7
to wake (literally or figuratively)
לִקְרָאתִ֣י to help H7125
לִקְרָאתִ֣י to help
Strong's: H7125
Word #: 6 of 7
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
וּרְאֵה׃ me and behold H7200
וּרְאֵה׃ me and behold
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 7 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis & Commentary

The enemies' running and preparation 'without my fault' emphasizes the injustice of persecution. David's appeal 'awake to help me' uses anthropomorphic language—God neither sleeps (Psalm 121:4) but David pleads for God to act visibly. 'Behold' requests divine witness of injustice, confident that God's omniscience will lead to intervention.

Historical Context

Saul's men actively surrounded David's house (1 Samuel 19:11), creating immediate danger. David's escape required both Michal's warning and God's providence, showing that 'help' comes through ordained means, not merely miraculous intervention.

Questions for Reflection