What does Psalm 59:3 mean?
David is praying for the Lord's protection against a violent group of men (Psalm 59:1–2). This corresponds to an incident where King Saul sent assassins to kill David, who escaped with the help of his wife, Michal (1 Samuel 19:11–16). Saul was angry that he had been rejected by God and was jealous of David (1 Samuel 15:11; 19:9–10). Though David had done nothing wrong, Saul was determined to have him killed (1 Samuel 20:30–33).When David met with his friend, Jonathan, Saul's son, he also expressed grief knowing he was innocent: "What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?" (1 Samuel 20:1). Later, David had an opportunity to kill Saul in a cave, but instead only stealthily cut off a corner of the king's robe. David used this as proof that he was not a rebel, nor as ruthless as his enemies (1 Samuel 24:11).
