Psalms 59:5

Authorized King James Version

Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֤ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְהוָֽה

H3068

Thou therefore O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָא֡וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הָקִ֗יצָה

H6974

awake

to awake (literally or figuratively)

לִפְקֹ֥ד

H6485

to visit

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

כָּֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם

H1471

all the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#11

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#12

תָּחֹ֨ן

H2603

be not merciful

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

בֹּ֖גְדֵי

H898

transgressors

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

#15

אָ֣וֶן

H205

to any wicked

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

#16

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 worship and praise 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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?