Psalms 59:5 - Exposition

Thou therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel (comp. Psalms 69:6 , also "a psalm of David"). Awake to visit all the heathen. "All" is emphatic, and means not only those without the covenant, but also those within—the wicked Israelites. It is noted that Saul's instruments consisted of two classes—actual heathen, such as Doeg the Edomite; and irreligious Israelites, as the Ziphites and others, who were no better than heathen. Be not merciful to any wicked transgressors . "The Hebrew words denote treachery and faithlessness" (Cook). They are scarcely applicable to open foreign enemies.