What does Psalms 59:14 mean?

"And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalms 59:14

"And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalms 59:14

Psalms 59:14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

This verse is part of a larger psalm, which is attributed to King David. The psalm is written in the context of David's life, particularly during a time when he was being pursued by enemies, likely King Saul and his men. In this particular verse, David is calling on God to address the actions of his enemies, to let them return in the evening and make a noise like a dog, going around the city.

The theme of this verse and the larger psalm is one of vindication and deliverance. David is expressing his trust in God to ultimately save him from his enemies and to bring justice to those who seek to harm him. The imagery used in this verse, particularly the idea of his enemies returning in the evening and making a noise like a dog, conveys the sense of their defeat and humiliation. The act of going around the city can be seen as a symbol of their futile attempts to harm David, as the city would have been a place of safety and security.

The use of the dog as a symbol in this verse is particularly significant. In the ancient Near East, dogs were often associated with impurity, uncleanliness, and shame. They were scavengers and often seen as a nuisance. In this context, David is calling on God to bring shame and disgrace upon his enemies, likening them to the unclean and insignificant nature of a dog. This serves as a powerful statement of David's faith in God's ability to deliver him and bring justice to his enemies.

The idea of evening in this verse can also be symbolic. Evening is often associated with the end of the day, a time of rest and reflection. By calling on his enemies to return in the evening, David is expressing his confidence that their efforts will ultimately come to an end, and that God will bring about a time of peace and rest for him.

The larger context of the psalm also provides insight into the meaning of this verse. Throughout the psalm, David expresses his trust in God as his fortress, his deliverer, and his strength. He seeks protection from his enemies and calls on God to judge and punish them for their wickedness. This psalm is a powerful expression of faith in the midst of adversity, and the verse in question serves as a declaration of David's confidence in God's ultimate victory over his enemies.

In a broader spiritual sense, this verse can also be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and attacks that individuals face in their own lives. Just as David trusted in God to deliver him from his enemies, individuals can turn to God for protection and vindication in times of trouble. The imagery of the enemies making a noise like a dog and going around the city can symbolize the relentless and disruptive nature of the challenges we face, but ultimately, like David, we can trust in God to bring about justice and deliverance.

Overall, Psalms 59:14 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God's ability to deliver and protect. The use of vivid imagery and symbolic language adds depth and meaning to the verse, conveying the sense of assurance and confidence that David had in God's ultimate victory over his enemies. This verse serves as a reminder of the enduring hope and trust that believers can have in God, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

Have questions about Psalms 59:14?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Psalms 59:14 Artwork

Psalms 59:14 - "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

Psalms 59:14 - "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

"And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalms 59:14

"And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalms 59:14

Psalms 59:9 - "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence."

Psalms 59:9 - "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence."

"When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:" - Psalms 78:59

"When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:" - Psalms 78:59

Psalms 78:59 - "When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:"

Psalms 78:59 - "When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:"

Psalms 59:15 - "Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied."

Psalms 59:15 - "Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied."

Psalms 59:4 - "They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold."

Psalms 59:4 - "They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold."

Psalms 59:6 - "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

Psalms 59:6 - "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."

Psalms 59:7 - "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?"

Psalms 59:7 - "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?"

Psalms 59:2 - "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men."

Psalms 59:2 - "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men."

Psalms 119:59 - "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

Psalms 119:59 - "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

"They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold." - Psalms 59:4

"They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold." - Psalms 59:4

Psalms 59:8 - "But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."

Psalms 59:8 - "But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."

Psalms 59:12 - "For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak."

Psalms 59:12 - "For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak."

Psalms 59:17 - "Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy."

Psalms 59:17 - "Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy."

Psalms 59:10 - "The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies."

Psalms 59:10 - "The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies."

Psalms 59:13 - "Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah."

Psalms 59:13 - "Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah."

Psalms 59:1 - "Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me."

Psalms 59:1 - "Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me."

Psalms 59:3 - "For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD."

Psalms 59:3 - "For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD."

Psalms 59:11 - "Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield."

Psalms 59:11 - "Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield."

Psalms 59:5 - "Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah."

Psalms 59:5 - "Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah."

"Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied." - Psalms 59:15

"Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied." - Psalms 59:15

"Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield." - Psalms 59:11

"Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield." - Psalms 59:11

"The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies." - Psalms 59:10

"The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies." - Psalms 59:10

"Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." - Psalms 59:17

"Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." - Psalms 59:17

Psalms 59:16 - "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."

Psalms 59:16 - "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."

Mark 14:59 - "But neither so did their witness agree together."

Mark 14:59 - "But neither so did their witness agree together."

"Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah." - Psalms 59:5

"Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah." - Psalms 59:5

"Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?" - Psalms 59:7

"Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?" - Psalms 59:7

"Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence." - Psalms 59:9

"Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence." - Psalms 59:9