They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied. They scavenge for foodThis phrase paints a vivid picture of desperation and need. The Hebrew root word here is "לָחַם" (lacham), which can mean to fight or to struggle, often used in the context of battle. In this context, it suggests a relentless pursuit, akin to a battle for survival. Historically, scavenging was a common practice among the poor and marginalized in ancient societies, reflecting a state of vulnerability and dependence. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for those who are spiritually hungry, seeking sustenance in a world that often leaves them empty. It serves as a reminder of the human condition without divine intervention, highlighting the need for God's provision and grace. and growl if they are not satisfied
The word "growl" comes from the Hebrew "הָמָה" (hamah), which conveys a sense of murmuring or roaring, often associated with the sound of a hungry animal. This evokes a sense of unrest and dissatisfaction, a deep yearning that is unmet. In the scriptural context, this can be seen as a representation of the wicked or those who are distant from God, whose desires are never truly fulfilled. The historical context of this passage, attributed to David, reflects his experiences with enemies who were relentless and insatiable in their pursuit of him. Spiritually, it serves as a cautionary note about the futility of seeking fulfillment outside of God's will, emphasizing the peace and contentment that only He can provide. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 59, David wrote this psalm as a prayer for deliverance from his enemies. It reflects his trust in God amidst persecution. 2. SaulThe king of Israel at the time, who sought to kill David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. EnemiesThe adversaries of David, often seen as a representation of the wicked or those who oppose God's anointed. 4. JerusalemThe city where David was often pursued by Saul's men, and where he sought refuge and deliverance from God. 5. GodThe ultimate protector and deliverer, whom David calls upon for help against his enemies. Teaching Points Dependence on God for DeliveranceJust as David relied on God for protection, believers today are encouraged to trust in God's power to deliver them from their own adversities. Recognizing the Nature of EvilThe description of enemies as scavengers highlights the persistent and insatiable nature of evil, reminding believers to remain vigilant in their spiritual lives. Responding to Persecution with FaithDavid's response to his enemies was to turn to God in prayer. This teaches us to respond to our own challenges by seeking God's guidance and strength. The Futility of WickednessThe dissatisfaction of the enemies, even when they scavenge, illustrates the ultimate futility of wicked pursuits, encouraging believers to seek fulfillment in God alone. God's Sovereignty and JusticeThe psalm reassures believers of God's control over all situations and His eventual justice against the wicked. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's situation in Psalm 59:15 reflect the broader theme of trusting God amidst adversity? 2. In what ways can the imagery of scavenging and growling be applied to modern-day challenges or spiritual battles? 3. How does understanding the historical context of David's life enhance our interpretation of this verse? 4. What practical steps can we take to respond to our "enemies" or challenges in a way that aligns with biblical teachings? 5. How do other scriptures, such as 1 Peter 5:8, deepen our understanding of the nature of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 22Similar themes of distress and seeking God's deliverance are found here, where David also cries out to God amidst persecution. 1 Samuel 19This chapter provides the historical context of Saul's pursuit of David, which is the backdrop for Psalm 59. Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching on loving enemies connects to the broader theme of responding to adversaries with faith and trust in God. 1 Peter 5:8The imagery of prowling enemies is echoed in Peter's warning about the devil seeking to devour believers. People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Aren't, Devour, Fill, Growl, Grudge, Howl, Meat, Murmur, Roam, Satisfied, Search, Stay, Tarry, Wait, Wander, WanderingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 59:15 5839 dissatisfaction
5933 restlessness
5939 satisfaction Library Waiting and Singing
'Because of his strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my defence.... 17. Unto Thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.'--PSALM lix. 9, 17. There is an obvious correspondence between these two verses even as they stand in our translation, and still more obviously in the Hebrew. You observe that in the former verse the words 'because of' are a supplement inserted by our translators, because they did not exactly know what to make of the bare words as they …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureOf Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of this Life
I will acknowledge my sin unto Thee;(1) I will confess to Thee, Lord, my infirmity. It is often a small thing which casteth me down and maketh me sad. I resolve that I will act bravely, but when a little temptation cometh, immediately I am in a great strait. Wonderfully small sometimes is the matter whence a grievous temptation cometh, and whilst I imagine myself safe for a little space; when I am not considering, I find myself often almost overcome by a little puff of wind. 2. Behold, therefore, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Wherefore this do Ye, virgins of God, this do Ye...
53. Wherefore this do ye, virgins of God, this do ye: follow ye the Lamb, whithersoever He shall have gone. But first come unto Him, Whom ye are to follow, and learn, in that He is meek and lowly of heart. Come ye in lowly wise unto the Lowly, if ye love: and depart not from Him, lest ye fall. For whoso fears to depart from Him asks and says, "Let there not come to me foot of pride." [2214] Go on in the way of loftiness with the foot of lowliness; Himself lifteth up such as follow in lowly wise, …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh.
16. (10). At that time an episcopal see was vacant,[321] and had long been vacant, because Malachy would not assent: for they had elected him to it.[322] But they persisted, and at length he yielded when their entreaties were enforced by the command of his teacher,[323] together with that of the metropolitan.[324] It was when he was just entering the thirtieth year of his age,[325] that he was consecrated bishop and brought to Connor; for that was the name of the city through ignorance of Irish ecclesiastical …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Whence Also the Just of Old, Before the Incarnation of the Word...
18. Whence also the just of old, before the Incarnation of the Word, in this faith of Christ, and in this true righteousness, (which thing Christ is unto us,) were justified; believing this to come which we believe come: and they themselves by grace were saved through faith, not of themselves, but by the gift of God, not of works, lest haply they should be lifted up. [2679] For their good works did not come before God's mercy, but followed it. For to them was it said, and by them written, long ere …
St. Augustine—On Patience Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500
In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation …
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 59:15 NIVPsalm 59:15 NLTPsalm 59:15 ESVPsalm 59:15 NASBPsalm 59:15 KJV
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