Psalms 59:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 59:12
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
Chapter Context
Psalms 59 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, prayer, truth. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 59:12
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
Analysis
The enemies' sin 'of their mouth' and 'words of their lips' emphasizes verbal transgression. Being 'taken in their pride' shows that arrogance precedes judgment (Proverbs 16:18). 'Cursing and lying' identifies specific sins warranting God's capture of them, fulfilled when Saul's lies and curses against David resulted in his own downfall.
Historical Context
Saul's verbal sins included false accusations against David and curses on his own son Jonathan for defending David (1 Samuel 20:30-33). These sins 'took' Saul in that they hardened his heart and hastened his demise.
Reflection
- How do verbal sins—cursing, lying, pride—function as self-imposed traps?
- What does being 'taken' in pride teach about sin's self-destructive nature?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Sin: Psalms 10:7, Proverbs 12:13
- Parallel theme: Psalms 10:2, Proverbs 18:7, Hosea 4:2