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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 59:6 They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/59-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/19_Psa_059_006.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 59:6 - Deliver Me From My Enemies" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/59-5.htm" title="Psalm 59:5">◄</a> Psalm 59:6 <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm" title="Psalm 59:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/59.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/59.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/59.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/59.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/59.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/59.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/59.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />At evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/59.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And prowl around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/59.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/59.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/59.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/59.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl <i>and</i> snarl like dogs, And go [prowling] around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/59.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/59.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/59.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/59.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My enemies return at evening, growling like dogs roaming the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/59.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They return at evening, they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/59.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They return in the evening. They howl like dogs. They prowl the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/59.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They come back in the evening, snarling like dogs as they go about the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/59.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At night they return like howling dogs; they prowl around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/59.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/59.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They return in the evening; they growl like a dog and prowl around outside the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/59.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/59.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/59.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/59.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They return at evening, "" They make a noise like a dog, "" And go around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/59.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They turn back at evening, They make a noise like a dog, And go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/59.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They will turn back at evening: they will make a noise as a dog, and they will surround the city.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/59.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They shall return at evening, and shall suffer hunger like dogs: and shall go round about the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/59.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 58:7>They will return toward evening, and they will suffer hunger like dogs, and they will wander around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/59.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Each evening they return, growling like dogs, prowling the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/59.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/59.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They return at evening; they make a noise like dogs, and go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/59.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They shall be turned back in the evening and they will growl like dogs and will surround the city.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/59.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/59.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They shall return at evening, and hunger like a dog, and go round about the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/59-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6957" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/59.htm">Deliver Me From My Enemies</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: yā·šū·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">They return</a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: lā·‘e·reḇ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">in the evening,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1993.htm" title="1993: ye·hĕ·mū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to make a loud sound like Engl. hum); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor.">snarling</a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: ḵak·kā·leḇ (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">like dogs</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: wî·sō·wḇ·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">and prowling around</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>See what they spew from their mouths—sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">2 Peter 2:22</a></span><br />Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Psalm 22:16</a></span><br />For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-13.htm">Psalm 22:13</a></span><br />They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9-10</a></span><br />He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. / They are crushed and beaten down; the helpless fall prey to his strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Psalm 7:2</a></span><br />or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></span><br />My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Psalm 55:10</a></span><br />Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-22.htm">Psalm 50:22</a></span><br />Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-11</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a></span><br />Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-9.htm">Jeremiah 12:9</a></span><br />Is not My inheritance to Me like a speckled bird of prey with other birds of prey circling against her? Go, gather all the beasts of the field; bring them to devour her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Hosea 13:7-8</a></span><br />So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Psalm 59:14</a></b></br> And at evening let them return; <i>and</i> let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11</a></b></br> Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/55-11.htm">City</a> <a href="/psalms/22-20.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/psalms/22-20.htm">Dogs</a> <a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Howl</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Howling</a> <a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Prowl</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-18.htm">Prowling</a> <a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Round</a> <a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Snarling</a> <a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">City</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Dogs</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Howl</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Howling</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Prowl</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Prowling</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Snarling</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 59</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">David prays to be delivered from his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/59-6.htm">He complains of their cruelty</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/59-8.htm">He trusts in god</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/59-11.htm">He prays against them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/59-16.htm">He praises God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/59.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/59.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They return in the evening</b><br>This phrase suggests a recurring pattern of behavior, indicating persistence and determination in the actions of the enemies. In the biblical context, evening often symbolizes a time of danger or evil (e.g., <a href="/genesis/19.htm">Genesis 19:1</a>, when the angels visit Lot in the evening). The enemies' return at this time may imply their intent to operate under the cover of darkness, a common tactic for those with malicious intent. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face, where evil often seems to intensify in times of vulnerability or darkness.<p><b>snarling like dogs</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were not typically seen as beloved pets but rather as scavengers and symbols of impurity. The imagery of snarling dogs conveys aggression, hostility, and a lack of restraint. This description highlights the ferocity and threatening nature of the psalmist's adversaries. Biblically, dogs are often used to depict those who are outside the covenant community or who act in opposition to God's people (e.g., <a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2</a>). This phrase underscores the relentless and vicious nature of the opposition faced by the righteous.<p><b>and prowling around the city</b><br>The act of prowling suggests stealth and a predatory nature, indicating that the enemies are actively seeking opportunities to cause harm. The city, likely Jerusalem in this context, represents a place of refuge and community for God's people. The enemies' presence around the city signifies a direct threat to the safety and peace of the community. This imagery can be connected to <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, where Satan is described as a prowling lion seeking someone to devour, emphasizing the constant vigilance required of believers. The historical context of ancient cities, often fortified and protected, highlights the audacity and boldness of these adversaries in their attempts to breach the security of God's people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/59.htm">Psalm 59</a>, David wrote this psalm during a time of distress when King Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. This context is crucial for understanding the urgency and desperation in his plea to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who became envious of David and sought to kill him. Saul's pursuit of David is a backdrop for this psalm, highlighting the theme of unjust persecution.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies/watchers.htm">Enemies/Watchers</a></b><br>The men sent by Saul to watch David's house and kill him. They represent the immediate threat to David's life and are symbolic of the broader theme of evil and wickedness in the world.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_nature_of_evil.htm">Understanding the Nature of Evil</a></b><br><a href="/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6</a> describes the enemies as "returning at evening, snarling like dogs." This imagery emphasizes the persistent and aggressive nature of evil. Recognizing this helps believers remain vigilant in prayer and reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_protector.htm">God as Protector</a></b><br>Despite the threats, David consistently turns to God for protection. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when facing relentless opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_weapon.htm">Prayer as a Weapon</a></b><br>David's response to his enemies is to cry out to God. This underscores the power of prayer as a primary means of spiritual warfare and seeking divine intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_anger_vs._vengeance.htm">Righteous Anger vs. Vengeance</a></b><br>While David expresses anger towards his enemies, he leaves vengeance to God. This distinction is crucial for Christians, who are called to be angry at sin but not to take revenge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_justice.htm">Faith in God's Justice</a></b><br>David's confidence that God will deal with his enemies reassures believers that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord, encouraging patience and trust in His timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_59.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 59</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_zion's_biblical_significance.htm">What is Zion and its biblical significance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_haven't_all_nations_recognized_jerusalem.htm">If Isaiah 60:3 predicts nations flocking to Jerusalem's light, why haven't all nations historically recognized Jerusalem's religious and cultural significance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_9_6_align_with_evil's_presence.htm">Psalm 9:6 states the enemy is 'come to a perpetual end,' yet evil persists globally; how can this be reconciled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_turmoil_align_with_'pray_for_peace'.htm">Psalm 122:6: How do centuries of turmoil and conflict align with the instruction to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/59.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">A dog.</span>--This comparison to the gaunt half-starved wild dogs of an Eastern town has met us before (<a href="/psalms/22-16.htm" title="For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.">Psalm 22:16</a>). The verbs should be rendered as futures here and in <a href="/psalms/59-15.htm" title="Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.">Psalm 59:15</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Make a noise.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">howl. </span>(See Note <a href="/psalms/55-7.htm" title="See, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.">Psalm 55:7</a>.) An English traveller has described the noise made by the dogs of Constantinople: "The noise I heard then I shall never forget. The whole city rang with one vast riot. Down below me at Tophane; over about Stamboul; far away at Scutari; the whole 60,000 dogs that are said to overrun Constantinople appeared engaged in the most active extermination of each other without a moment's cessation. The yelping, howling, barking, growling, and snarling were all merged into one uniform and continuous even sound" (Albert Smith, <span class= "ital">A Month at Constantinople, </span>quoted from Spurgeon's <span class= "ital">Treasury of David</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/59.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 6-9.</span> - "Here a new stanza begins" (Cheyne). The "enemies" of ver. 1 and the "workers of iniquity" of ver. 2 are more elaborately portrayed. First they are represented as "dogs" - such hideous, half-wild dogs as frequent Eastern cities, which sleep during the greater part of the day, and rove about in packs at night - unclean, horrid, loathsome animals (ver. 6). Then they appear as men - abusive, slanderous, godless (ver. 7). In conclusion, appeal is made to God against them. He will "laugh them to scorn" (ver. 8); and he is a sure Defence against all their efforts (ver. 9). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They return at evening.</span> Having traced David to his house, they disperse for a time, but "return" again at evening, and take up their watch (<a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11</a>). <span class="cmt_word">They make a noise like a dog;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> snarl and growl, quarrelling more or less among themselves during the night time. <span class="cmt_word">And go round about the city.</span> Either wander vaguely about, as dogs do for prey, or patrol the walls and gates to see that David does not quit the city, and so escape them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/59-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They return</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשׁ֣וּבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šū·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the evening,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֭עֶרֶב</span> <span class="translit">(lā·‘e·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evening</span><br /><br /><span class="word">snarling</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶהֱמ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ye·hĕ·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1993.htm">Strong's 1993: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like dogs</span><br /><span class="heb">כַכָּ֗לֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ḵak·kā·leḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and prowling around</span><br /><span class="heb">וִיס֥וֹבְבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wî·sō·wḇ·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִֽיר׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/59-6.htm">Psalm 59:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/59-6.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 59:6 They return at evening howling like dogs (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/59-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 59:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 59:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/59-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 59:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 59:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>