What does Psalm 59:15 mean?

In this psalm, David has prayed for safety (Psalm 59:1–3). A group of men sent by Saul had waited near David's house to assassinate him. He escaped with the help of his wife, Michal (1 Samuel 19:11–16). David castigated his enemies by comparing them to a pack of feral, unclean dogs (Psalm 59:6, 14). Here, he continues that analogy. The wild dogs of ancient Jerusalem were scavengers who sometimes attacked weak animals—or people—in groups. They were never free from hunger and always looking for their next meal. In a similar way, David's enemies are relentless in their pursuit of violence (1 Samuel 20:1–3).

In the tribulation period, the beast and the false prophet (Revelation 13) will persecute righteous Israelites. Their bloodthirsty hunt for God's chosen people will resemble a flood. Revelation 12 identifies the power behind this vicious persecution. The Devil is thrown out of heaven, down to the earth, where he pursues Israel. The people of Israel flee to the wilderness, where they are nourished for three and a half years: the second half of the tribulation. But the Devil sends an army, depicted as a river, to sweep them away like a flood. Nevertheless, the Lord comes to the rescue by causing an earthquake to swallow the army (Revelation 12:13–17). Then the Devil makes war with the saved Jews and possibly saved Gentiles (Revelation 12:17).