Deliverance from Enemies: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 59

Executive Summary

Psalm 59, a poignant prayer of David amidst relentless persecution, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox spiritual tradition. It’s more than just a lament; it’s a testament to unwavering faith in God’s power to deliver us from the machinations of the wicked. We see David, surrounded by adversaries, yet he turns not to earthly weapons but to divine protection. This Psalm emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance, not succumbing to fear, and trusting solely in God’s unwavering love and providence. We explore the historical context of David’s plight, connect the Psalms words to Coptic liturgical practices, and derive practical spiritual applications for confronting our modern-day enemies – both visible and invisible, internal and external. This is not a call for passivity, but for spiritual warfare anchored in prayer and unwavering reliance on God’s mercy. Ultimately, *Deliverance from Enemies* is not just a historical anecdote, but a blueprint for spiritual victory in a world rife with trials.

Psalm 59, titled “Deliver Me from My Enemies, O God,” is a powerful cry for divine intervention amidst grave danger. This Psalm, attributed to David and connected to the time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him (1 Samuel 19), provides profound insight into trusting God in moments of extreme adversity. It’s a timeless message relevant to all believers, offering both comfort and a pathway to navigate spiritual battles. Let’s delve into this scripture verse by verse, uncovering its rich spiritual meaning from a Coptic Orthodox perspective.

Commentary on Psalm 59

Psalm 59:1-2

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men.” (NKJV)

“Ῥῦσαί με ἐκ τῶν ἐχθρῶν μου, ὁ Θεός, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἐπανισταμένων ἐπ’ ἐμὲ λύτρωσαί με. Ῥῦσαί με ἐκ τῶν ἐργαζομένων τὴν ἀνομίαν, καὶ ἐξ ἀνδρῶν αἱμάτων σῶσόν με.” (LXX)

David initiates his prayer with a direct and urgent plea: deliverance. He doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the reality of his enemies. The phrase “those who rise up against me” speaks to the constant and persistent nature of the opposition he faces. Importantly, he calls them “workers of iniquity” and “bloodthirsty men,” highlighting the moral depravity behind their actions. From a Coptic perspective, this isn’t merely a physical battle; it’s a spiritual one. We see echoes of this sentiment in the writings of St. Athanasius, who often spoke of the spiritual warfare waged against Christians by demonic forces. We, too, must recognize that our struggles often extend beyond the visible realm. Consider utilizing dohost.us for prayer requests to aid with deliverance from internal battles.

Spiritual Application: Recognize your enemies – both internal (sinful thoughts, temptations) and external (harmful influences, oppressive systems). Ask God for deliverance, acknowledging your dependence on Him.

Psalm 59:3-4

“For look, they lie in wait for my life; the mighty gather against me, not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord. They run and prepare themselves at no fault of mine. Awake, to meet me, and behold!” (NKJV)

“Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἐθήρευσαν τὴν ψυχήν μου, ἐπέθεντο ἐπ’ ἐμὲ δυνατοί· οὐχὶ ἀνομία μου, οὐδὲ ἁμαρτία μου, Κύριε. Ἄνευ ἀδικίας ἔδραμον καὶ κατευθύνθησαν· ἐξεγέρθητι εἰς συνάντησιν μοι, καὶ ἴδε.” (LXX)

Here, David underscores the unjust nature of the attack. He emphasizes that he’s not being punished for his own sins; this persecution is unwarranted. The phrase “they lie in wait for my life” paints a picture of calculated malice. David’s claim of innocence echoes the suffering of Christ, who was unjustly condemned. This verse also highlights the importance of integrity, even in the face of adversity. We see a call for God to “awake,” a reminder that God is not indifferent to our suffering. St. Cyril of Alexandria frequently wrote about the injustice suffered by the righteous, connecting it to the ultimate injustice suffered by Christ on the Cross (Commentary on Isaiah).

Spiritual Application: Maintain integrity even when facing unjust accusations. Remember that God sees your innocence and will ultimately vindicate you.

Psalm 59:5-6

“You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; show no mercy to any wicked transgressors. Selah. At evening they return, they growl like a dog, and go all around the city.” (NKJV)

“Καὶ σύ, Κύριε ὁ Θεὸς τῶν δυνάμεων, ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, πρόσχες τοῦ ἐπισκέψασθαι πάντα τὰ ἔθνη· μὴ οἰκτειρήσῃς πάντας τοὺς ἐργαζομένους τὴν ἀνομίαν. (Διάψαλμα.) Ἐπιστρέψουσιν εἰς τὸ ἑσπέρας, καὶ λιμοκτονήσουσιν ὡς κύων, καὶ κυκλώσουσιν τὴν πόλιν.” (LXX)

David calls upon God as the “God of hosts,” emphasizing His power and authority over all creation. He asks for justice against the “wicked transgressors,” appealing to God’s righteous judgment. The phrase “At evening they return, they growl like a dog” is a vivid description of their relentless and predatory nature. This imagery evokes the image of scavengers, driven by primal instincts. Geographically, Jerusalem, being a walled city, would have been subject to night-time patrols, making David’s situation particularly perilous. In the Coptic tradition, the evening is a time of prayer and reflection, but also a time when we are more vulnerable to spiritual attacks. The Fathers emphasize the importance of evening prayers to guard against the temptations of the night (St. Macarius, Homilies).

Spiritual Application: Be vigilant against spiritual attacks, especially during times of weakness. Pray for God’s justice and protection.

Psalm 59:7-8

“Indeed, they belch out with their mouth; swords are in their lips; ‘For who,’ they say, ‘hears?’ But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision.” (NKJV)

“Ἰδοὺ ἀπορεύξονται τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν, καὶ ῥομφαία ἐν χείλεσιν αὐτῶν· ὅτι τίς ἤκουσεν; Καὶ σύ, Κύριε, ἐκγελάσῃ αὐτούς, ἐξουδενώσεις πάντα τὰ ἔθνη.” (LXX)

David exposes the arrogance of his enemies, who believe they can act with impunity. Their “words are like swords,” a metaphor for the destructive power of gossip, slander, and false accusations. Their question, “Who hears?” reveals their disbelief in God’s omniscience. But David affirms that God will laugh at them, a testament to His ultimate triumph over evil. This “laughter” isn’t mockery; it’s a demonstration of God’s power and the futility of their rebellion. In Coptic theology, the tongue is a powerful instrument, capable of both blessing and cursing. We are called to use our words for edification, not destruction (James 3:9-10).

Spiritual Application: Be mindful of your words and their impact on others. Trust that God sees and hears everything, even when it seems no one else does.

Psalm 59:9-10

“Because of His strength I will wait for You; for God is my defense. My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.” (NKJV)

“Κράτος μου πρὸς σὲ φυλάξω, ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς ἀντιλήμπτωρ μου εἶ. Ὁ Θεός μου, τὸ ἔλεός σου προφθάσει με· ὁ Θεός μου δείξει μοι ἐν τοῖς ἐχθροῖς μου.” (LXX)

Despite the overwhelming odds, David declares his unwavering trust in God. “Because of His strength I will wait for You” speaks to the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. He recognizes God as his “defense” and anticipates God’s “mercy” to “meet” him. This phrase underscores the proactive nature of God’s love; He doesn’t wait for us to reach Him; He comes to us. This verse highlights the central theme of God’s *hesed* (loving-kindness) in the Old Testament, a concept deeply ingrained in Coptic spirituality.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing. Remember that God’s mercy is always available to you.

Psalm 59:11-13

“Do not slay them, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield. For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, let them even be taken in their pride, and for the cursing and lying which they speak. Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be; and let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah.” (NKJV)

“Μὴ ἀποκτείνῃς αὐτούς, μήποτε ἐπιλάθωνται τοῦ νόμου σου· διασκόρπισον αὐτοὺς ἐν τῇ δυνάμει σου, καὶ κατάγαγε αὐτούς, ὑπερασπιστὰ ἡμῶν, Κύριε. Ἁμαρτία στόματος αὐτῶν, λόγος χειλέων αὐτῶν, καὶ συλληφθήτωσαν ἐν τῇ ὑπερηφανίᾳ αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐξ ἀρᾶς καὶ ψεύδους διηγήσονται. Συντέλεσον ἐν ὀργῇ, συντέλεσον, καὶ οὐ μὴ ὑπάρξουσιν· καὶ γνώσονται ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς δεσπόζει τοῦ Ἰακὼβ καὶ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς. (Διάψαλμα.)” (LXX)

Here, David’s prayer takes an interesting turn. He asks not for their immediate destruction, but for their scattering, “lest my people forget.” This suggests that their continued existence, albeit in a diminished state, serves as a reminder of God’s power and justice. He asks that they be “taken in their pride” and judged for their “cursing and lying.” The prayer concludes with a plea for their utter destruction, “Consume them in wrath,” so that all may know that “God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth.” From a Coptic perspective, this verse highlights the tension between justice and mercy. While we pray for the repentance of our enemies, we also recognize that God’s justice must ultimately prevail. St. Isaac the Syrian often speaks of the “sweet torment” of divine love, which brings both comfort and conviction (Ascetical Homilies).

Spiritual Application: Pray for the conversion of your enemies, but also trust in God’s justice. Remember that God’s ultimate goal is the salvation of all mankind.

Psalm 59:14-15

“And at evening they return, they growl like a dog, and go all around the city. They wander up and down for food, and howl if they are not satisfied.” (NKJV)

“Ἐπιστρέψουσιν εἰς τὸ ἑσπέρας, καὶ λιμοκτονήσουσιν ὡς κύων, καὶ κυκλώσουσιν τὴν πόλιν. Ἐὰν δὲ μὴ χορτασθῶσιν, καὶ γογγύσουσιν.” (LXX)

These verses reiterate the relentless and desperate nature of David’s enemies. Their return “at evening,” their “growling like a dog,” and their “wandering up and down for food” paint a picture of desperation and degradation. This constant circling, fueled by unsatisfied hunger, highlights the insatiable nature of wickedness. They are never truly satisfied, always seeking to devour and destroy. The Coptic tradition places a strong emphasis on fasting, not only as a means of physical discipline but also as a way to curb our own insatiable desires and cultivate spiritual hunger.

Spiritual Application: Resist the temptation to be consumed by insatiable desires. Cultivate spiritual hunger through prayer and fasting.

Psalm 59:16-17

“But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, my God of mercy.” (NKJV)

“Ἐγὼ δὲ ᾄσομαι τὴν δύναμίν σου, καὶ ἀγαλλιάσομαι τὸ πρωῒ τὸ ἔλεός σου· ὅτι ἐγενήθης ἀντιλήμπτωρ μου καὶ καταφυγή μου ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς θλίψεώς μου. Βοηθός μου εἶ, σοὶ ψαλῶ, ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς ἀντιλήμπτωρ μου εἶ, ὁ Θεός μου τὸ ἔλεός μου.” (LXX)

David concludes the Psalm with a declaration of praise and thanksgiving. He shifts from lament to celebration, affirming his unwavering trust in God’s power and mercy. “I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning” speaks to the importance of beginning each day with gratitude. He acknowledges God as his “defense and refuge in the day of my trouble,” reiterating the central theme of divine protection. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the morning prayers (Prime) are specifically dedicated to thanksgiving for God’s protection throughout the night and to seeking His guidance for the day ahead. The singing of hymns (psalms) is also a central part of our worship, allowing us to express our love and gratitude to God.

Spiritual Application: Begin each day with praise and thanksgiving to God. Remember that He is your defense and refuge in times of trouble.

Why Deliverance from Enemies is Important

The concept of deliverance from enemies, as highlighted in Psalm 59, holds significant importance within the Coptic Orthodox faith and beyond. Here are key reflections on why understanding this Psalm is critical:

• Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing that we are engaged in a spiritual battle against forces of darkness is paramount. This Psalm equips us with the spiritual tools to fight.
• Trust in God: It reinforces the importance of unwavering trust in God, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is not a passive trust, but an active waiting for God to work.
• Justice and Righteousness: Understanding God’s desire for justice and righteousness motivates us to stand against injustice and pray for the vindication of the oppressed.
• Humility: It reminds us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not contributing to the problems we face through our own sins.
• Hope and Perseverance: The Psalm provides hope that God will ultimately deliver us from our enemies, both seen and unseen, encouraging us to persevere in faith.
• Gratitude: It cultivates a spirit of gratitude for God’s protection and provision, even in the midst of trials.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about Psalm 59 and its relevance to Coptic Orthodox spirituality:

• Q: How does Psalm 59 relate to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of suffering?

  A: Suffering is seen as a reality of this fallen world, but Psalm 59 reminds us that God is not indifferent to our pain. He allows suffering for our spiritual growth and refines us like gold. The Psalm assures us of God’s presence and ultimate deliverance.

• Q: Does praying for deliverance from enemies mean we should hate them?

  A: Absolutely not. While we pray for deliverance from their harmful actions, we are also called to love our enemies and pray for their conversion, as Christ commanded (Matthew 5:44). The focus is on preventing harm and injustice, not on harboring hatred.

• Q: How can we apply the lessons of Psalm 59 to our daily lives?

  A: By recognizing our spiritual battles, trusting in God’s protection, praying for justice, maintaining integrity, and cultivating gratitude, even in the face of adversity. We can also apply it to our internal struggles with sin and temptation.

• Q: Is it appropriate to ask God to punish our enemies, as David does in this Psalm?

  A: This is a complex question. While we may pray for God’s justice to prevail, we must always temper our prayers with a spirit of mercy and a desire for their repentance. Ultimately, judgment belongs to God alone.

Conclusion

Psalm 59, a timeless prayer for *deliverance from enemies*, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. David’s plea resonates with the challenges we face – whether external aggressors or internal battles. Rooted in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this Psalm highlights the need for unwavering faith, the importance of justice, and the promise of divine intervention. By internalizing its message, we are empowered to confront our adversaries with courage, anchored in the assurance that God is our ultimate defense. Through prayer, perseverance, and a unwavering trust in God’s loving-kindness, we can echo David’s final declaration: “But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.” This Psalm is not just about escaping danger; it’s about discovering a deeper relationship with God, our protector and deliverer.

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Psalm 59, Deliverance, Enemies, Coptic Orthodox, Prayer, Faith, Trust, Justice, Mercy, David, Spiritual Warfare

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Explore a Coptic Orthodox verse-by-verse commentary on Psalm 59 – *Deliverance from Enemies*, uncovering timeless spiritual insights for overcoming adversity and strengthening faith.