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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 59:11 Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/59-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/19_Psa_059_011.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 59:11 - Deliver Me From My Enemies" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not kill them, or my people will forget. 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In your might uproot them and bring them down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/59.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons; stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/59.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/59.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/59.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/59.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not slay them, lest my people forget; Scatter them by Your power, And bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/59.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them, or my people will forget; Scatter them by Your power and bring them down, Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/59.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not slay them, or my people will forget; Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/59.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not slay them, lest my people forget; Scatter them by Thy power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/59.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not slay them, or my people will forget; Make them wander about by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/59.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them, or my people will forget; Scatter them <i>and</i> make them wander [endlessly] back and forth by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/59.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By your power, make them homeless wanderers and bring them down, Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/59.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By Your power, make them homeless wanderers and bring them down, Lord, our shield. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/59.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/59.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't kill them, or everyone may forget! Just use your mighty power to make them tremble and fall. You are a shield for your people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/59.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/59.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not kill them. Otherwise, my people may forget. Make them wander aimlessly by your power. Bring them down, O Lord, our shield,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/59.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not kill them, O God, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your strength and defeat them, O Lord, our protector. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/59.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't kill them! Otherwise, my people may forget. By your power make them stumble around; bring them down low, Lord, our Shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/59.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/59.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not strike them dead suddenly, because then my people might forget the lesson. Use your power to make them homeless vagabonds and then bring them down, O Lord who shields us! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/59.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/59.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/59.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/59.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not slay them, lest my people forget, "" Shake them by Your strength, "" And bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/59.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Slay them not, lest my people forget, Shake them by Thy strength, And bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/59.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou wilt not kill them lest my people shall forget: cause them to wander to and fro by thy strength, and bring them down, O Jehovah, our shield.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/59.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />God shall let me see over my enemies: slay them not, lest at any time my people forget. Scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord, my protector: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/59.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 58:12>God will oversee my enemies for me. Do not slay them, lest at times my people may forget them. Scatter them by your virtue. And depose them, O Lord, my protector,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/59.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Slay them not, God, lest they deceive my people. Shake them by your power; Lord, our shield, bring them down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/59.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not kill them, or my people may forget; make them totter by your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/59.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Spare them for a living example, lest my people forget; but scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O LORD my hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/59.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not kill them, lest my people forget, but shake them by your power and chase them LORD JEHOVAH, my trust.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/59.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Slay them not, lest my people forget, Make them wander to and fro by Thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/59.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Slay them not, lest they forget thy law; scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord, my defender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/59-11.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=6992" 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">10</span>My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: ta·har·ḡêm (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">kill them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">my people</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: yiš·kə·ḥū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">will forget.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5128.htm" title="5128: hă·nî·‘ê·mōw (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively.">Scatter them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḇə·ḥê·lə·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">by Your power,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wə·hō·w·rî·ḏê·mōw (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3mp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">and bring them down,</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">O Lord,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4043.htm" title="4043: mā·ḡin·nê·nū (N-csc:: 1cp) -- A shield. Also feminine mginnah; from ganan; a shield; figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile.">our shield.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.…<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/16-4.htm">Proverbs 16:4</a></span><br />The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Exodus 9:16</a></span><br />But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Romans 9:17</a></span><br />For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-46.htm">1 Samuel 17:46</a></span><br />This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-19.htm">2 Kings 19:19</a></span><br />And now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-20.htm">Isaiah 37:20</a></span><br />And now, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-14.htm">Ezekiel 25:14</a></span><br />I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-24.htm">Jeremiah 10:24</a></span><br />Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice—not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a></span><br />David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></span><br />Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:6</a></span><br />After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-10.htm">Revelation 6:10</a></span><br />And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by your power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.</p><p class="hdg">Slay</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-12.htm">Genesis 4:12-15</a></b></br> When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/1-6.htm">Judges 1:6,7</a></b></br> But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:5</a></b></br> For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.</p><p class="hdg">scatter</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-11.htm">Psalm 44:11</a></b></br> Thou hast given us like sheep <i>appointed</i> for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-5.htm">Psalm 52:5</a></b></br> God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of <i>thy</i> dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Leviticus 26:33</a></b></br> And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.</p><p class="hdg">bring</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/40-12.htm">Job 40:12</a></b></br> Look on every one <i>that is</i> proud, <i>and</i> bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.</p><p class="hdg">our shield</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-3.htm">Psalm 3:3</a></b></br> But thou, O LORD, <i>art</i> a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/84-11.htm">Psalm 84:11</a></b></br> For the LORD God <i>is</i> a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good <i>thing</i> will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/18-14.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/psalms/50-22.htm">Forget</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/psalms/56-12.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/psalms/59-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/psalms/53-5.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/psalms/46-3.htm">Shake</a> <a href="/psalms/35-2.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/psalms/59-9.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/46-6.htm">Totter</a> <a href="/psalms/55-7.htm">Wander</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/68-20.htm">Death</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-2.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/psalms/74-19.htm">Forget</a> <a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/psalms/71-10.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/psalms/63-6.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/psalms/59-16.htm">Power</a> <a href="/psalms/68-30.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/psalms/60-2.htm">Shake</a> <a href="/psalms/76-3.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/psalms/59-16.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/69-23.htm">Totter</a> <a href="/psalms/59-15.htm">Wander</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>Do not kill them, or my people will forget.</b><br>This phrase reflects a plea for God's judgment to be a reminder rather than an obliteration. The psalmist, David, seeks a form of divine justice that serves as a lasting lesson for the people of Israel. In the historical context, David was often pursued by enemies, including King Saul, and he desired that their downfall be a testament to God's power and justice. The concern that "my people will forget" highlights the human tendency to forget God's past deliverances and judgments, as seen throughout Israel's history (e.g., <a href="/judges/8-34.htm">Judges 8:34</a>). This plea aligns with the broader biblical theme of remembrance, where God’s acts are to be remembered and recounted (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-12.htm">Deuteronomy 6:12</a>).<p><b>Scatter them by Your power,</b><br>The request to "scatter" the enemies suggests a desire for their disbandment and confusion rather than their immediate destruction. This reflects a strategic approach to dealing with adversaries, ensuring they are rendered ineffective. The scattering of enemies is a recurring theme in the Psalms and other parts of the Old Testament, symbolizing God's ability to disrupt the plans of the wicked (<a href="/psalms/68.htm">Psalm 68:1</a>). The phrase "by Your power" emphasizes reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength, a common motif in David's life and writings (<a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a>).<p><b>and bring them down,</b><br>This phrase calls for the humiliation and defeat of the enemies, ensuring they are brought low from their positions of power. The imagery of being "brought down" is often used in the Psalms to describe God's judgment against the proud and wicked (<a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm 55:23</a>). It reflects the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (<a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Proverbs 3:34</a>). Historically, David experienced God's deliverance from his enemies, reinforcing his trust in God's ability to humble those who oppose His anointed.<p><b>O Lord, our shield.</b><br>Referring to God as "our shield" conveys a deep trust in His protection and defense. The shield is a powerful symbol of God's safeguarding presence, frequently used in the Psalms to describe His role as a protector (<a href="/psalms/3-3.htm">Psalm 3:3</a>). This imagery would have been particularly resonant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where shields were essential for survival in battle. The personal and communal aspect of "our shield" indicates that this protection is not only for David but for all who trust in God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where faith is described as a shield against spiritual attacks (<a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Ephesians 6:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, who is seeking God's protection from his enemies. This psalm is traditionally attributed to David during the time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who became jealous of David and sought to kill him. His actions are the backdrop for this psalm.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The adversaries of David, likely Saul's men, who are pursuing him. They represent the forces of evil and opposition against God's anointed.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>Referred to as "Lord, our shield," indicating His role as protector and defender of His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The people of God, who are to remember God's acts of deliverance and justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a></b><br>God is in control of all situations, and His justice will prevail. We can trust Him to deal with our enemies in His perfect timing and way.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_remembrance.htm">The Importance of Remembrance</a></b><br>Remembering God's past deliverance strengthens our faith. We should recount His deeds to avoid spiritual amnesia.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_deliverance.htm">Prayer for Deliverance</a></b><br>Like David, we should pray for God's intervention in our lives, asking Him to scatter and bring down the forces of evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_our_shield.htm">God as Our Shield</a></b><br>God is our ultimate protector. In times of trouble, we should rely on Him as our shield and refuge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mercy.htm">The Role of Mercy</a></b><br>Even in seeking justice, we should remember God's mercy. David's request not to kill his enemies outright reflects a desire for them to recognize God's power and possibly repent.<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/how_does_psalm_84_11_align_with_no_sun_worship.htm">If the Lord is described as 'a sun' in Psalm 84:11, how does this symbolism align with the biblical prohibition against sun worship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_proof_of_mass_confusion_by_god.htm">Psalm 55:9 calls on God to 'confuse the wicked.' Where is the historical evidence of such a miraculous mass confusion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_59_omit_1_sam_19_11_details.htm">Why does Psalm 59 align with David's perspective in 1 Samuel 19:11 but omit details that might resolve historical inconsistencies in the biblical account?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_faith_help_overcome_despair.htm">How can faith help overcome despair?</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>(11) <span class= "bld">Slay them not, lest my people forget . . .</span>--The Spartans refused to allow the destruction of a neighbouring city, which had often called forth their armies, saying, "Destroy not the whetstone of our young men." Timon, in the play, is made to say--<p>"Live loath'd and long<p>You smiling smooth detested parasites,"<p>that the ruin of Athens might be complete, if deferred. National feeling, too, has often insisted on extreme modes of punishment, partly from vindictive feeling, partly for deterrent purposes. Witness the sequel to the Indian mutiny. But where is the parallel to the feeling that seems uppermost in the Psalmist's mind, viz., a wish for protracted retribution on the nations for the moral benefit of Israel?<p><span class= "bld">Scatter them.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">make them wander</span>: a word applied to Cain and to the Israelite wanderings in the wilderness.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/59.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Slay them not, lest my people forget;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> my <span class="accented">true</span> people - <span class="accented">faithful</span> Israel. The psalmist's "first thought is, that by lingering on in life for a while the wicked may be more edifying monuments of the Divine anger" (Cheyne). (For a parallel, see <a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Exodus 9:16</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">Scatter them by thy power;</span> or, <span class="accented">make them wanderers</span> (comp. <a href="/genesis/4-12.htm">Genesis 4:12, 14</a>). It has been often noted that David's curse seems to have passed on to the entire nation of the Jews. <span class="cmt_word">And bring them down, O Lord our Shield;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "cast them down from their honourable positions bring them into misery and disgrace - O Lord, who art our Defense and Shield" (comp. <a href="/psalms/3-3.htm">Psalm 3:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/28-7.htm">Psalm 28:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/59-11.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">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kill them,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּהַרְגֵ֤ם ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ta·har·ḡêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּֽן־</span> <span class="translit">(pen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמִּ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will forget.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁכְּח֬וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·kə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Scatter them</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲנִיעֵ֣מוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(hă·nî·‘ê·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5128.htm">Strong's 5128: </a> </span><span class="str2">To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by Your power,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְ֭חֵילְךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḥê·lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bring them down,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹרִידֵ֑מוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·rî·ḏê·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O Lord,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our shield.</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽגִנֵּ֣נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ḡin·nê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/59-11.htm">Psalm 59:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/59-11.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 59:11 Don't kill them or my people may (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/59-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 59:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 59:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/59-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 59:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 59:12" /></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>