Psalms – Chapter 59

Old Testament • 14 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the inscription of a title, to David himself, for doctrine," — so begins Psalms 59. The chapter centers on Manasses and David. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and God's mercy and forgiveness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the inscription of a title, to David himself, for doctrine,

2When he set fire to Mesopotamia of Syria and Sobal: and Joab returned and slew of Edom, in the vale of the saltpits, twelve thousand men.

3O God, thou hast cast us off, and hast destroyed us; thou hast been angry, and hast had mercy on us.

4Thou hast moved the earth, and hast troubled it: heal thou the breaches thereof, for it has been moved.

5Thou hast shewn thy people hard things; thou hast made us drink the wine of sorrow.

6Thou hast given a warning to them that fear thee: that they may flee from before the bow: That thy beloved may be delivered.

7Save me with thy right hand, and hear me.

8God hath spoken in his holy place: I will rejoice, and I will divide Sichem; and will mete out the vale of tabernacles.

9Galaad is mine, and Manasses is mine: and Ephraim is the strength of my head. Juda is my king:

10Moab is the pot of my hope. Into Edom will I stretch out my shoe: to me the foreigners are made subject.

11Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

12Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go out with our armies?

13Give us help from trouble: for vain is the salvation of man.

14Through God we shall do mightily: and he shall bring to nothing them that afflict us.

Important Verses in Psalms 59

“O God, thou hast cast us off, and hast destroyed us; thou hast been angry, and hast had mercy on us.”

Psalms 59:3

“God hath spoken in his holy place: I will rejoice, and I will divide Sichem; and will mete out the vale of tabernacles.”

Psalms 59:8

“Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?”

Psalms 59:11

“Through God we shall do mightily: and he shall bring to nothing them that afflict us. ”

Psalms 59:14

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 59 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Manasses and David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the inscription of a title, to David himself, for doctrine," The chapter ends with: "Through God we shall do mightily: and he shall bring to nothing them that afflict us. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 3: "O God, thou hast cast us off, and hast destroyed us; thou hast been angry, and hast had mercy on us." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1265). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's protection and deliverance as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.

People in This Chapter

Manasses1 mentionDavid1 mention

Reflection for Today

The central section of Psalms—Chapter 59 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights the role of the sacraments in sanctification, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1362).

Let Psalms Chapter 59 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 59 about?

Psalms 59 contains 14 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the inscription of a title, to David himself, for doctrine," and closes with "Through God we shall do mightily: and he shall bring to nothing them that afflict us. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 59?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "O God, thou hast cast us off, and hast destroyed us; thou hast been angry, and hast had mercy on us." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 59?

This chapter mentions Manasses, David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

1 Chronicles 12Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Chronicles 30Shares people and themes with this chapterIsaiah 9Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏Act of Contrition

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

Deepen your understanding with these related articles

How to Pray

Hope Prayer: Catholic Faith Trust in God During Difficult Times

10 min readRead article
How to Pray

Intercessory Prayer and Divine Mercy: A Catholic Perspective

11 min readRead article
Bible & Faith

How to Use Faith to Embrace God's Mercy and Forgiveness

7 min readRead article
Explore All Articles