Psalms 59:11

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 59:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
Psalms 59:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 59

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Slay them not--at once (Jdg 2:21-23); but perpetuate their punishment (Gen 4:12; Num 32:13), by scattering or making them wander, and humble them.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Slay them not, lest my people forget - The meaning of this seems to be, Do not destroy them at once, lest, being removed out of the way, the people should forget what was done, or should lose the impression which it is desirable should be produced by their punishment. Let them live, and let them wander about, as exiles under the divine displeasure, that they may be permanent and enduring proofs of the justice of God; of the evil of sin; of the danger of violating the divine law. So Cain wandered on the earth Genesis 4:12-14, a living proof of that justice which avenges murder; and so the Jews still wander, a lasting illustration of the justice which followed their rejection of the Messiah.…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“My people - Over whom thou hast appointed me to be governor in due time. Forget - Their former danger, and thy glorious mercy in delivering them. Scatter - Let them wander from place to place, that they may carry the tokens of thy justice, and their own shame to all places. Psalms 59:12”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“59:11-13 The psalmist prays that the wicked will be forced to endure the same agonizing pain they have caused.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Slay: Gen 4:12-15; Jdg 1:6, Jdg 1:7; Ecc 9:5; Eze 12:15, Eze 12:16, Eze 14:22, Eze 14:23; Rev 9:6 scatter: Psa 44:11, Psa 52:5; Lev 26:33; Deu 4:27, Deu 28:64, Deu 30:3, Deu 30:4; Eze 12:15; Luk 1:51, Luk 1:52; Luk 21:21 bring: Job 40:12 our shield: Psa 3:3, Psa 84:11 Psalms 59:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification