Psalms 59:3-5

59:3 For look, they wait to ambush me; 1 

powerful men stalk 2  me,

but not because I have rebelled or sinned, O Lord. 3 

59:4 Though I have done nothing wrong, 4  they are anxious to attack. 5 

Spring into action and help me! Take notice of me! 6 

59:5 You, O Lord God, the invincible warrior, 7  the God of Israel,

rouse yourself and punish 8  all the nations!

Have no mercy on any treacherous evildoers! (Selah)

1 tn Heb “my life.”

2 tn The Hebrew verb is from the root גּוּר (gur), which means “to challenge, attack” in Isa 54:15 and “to stalk” (with hostile intent) in Ps 56:8.

3 sn The point is that the psalmist’s enemies have no justifiable reason for attacking him. He has neither rebelled or sinned against the Lord.

4 tn Heb “without sin.”

5 tn Heb “they run and they are determined.”

6 tn Heb “arise to meet me and see.” The Hebrew verb קָרָא (qara’, “to meet; to encounter”) here carries the nuance of “to help.”

7 tn Heb “Lord, God, Hosts.” One expects the construct form אֱלֹהֵי (’elohey) before צְבָאוֹת (tsÿva’ot, “hosts”). See Ps 89:9, but יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים (yÿhvah ’elohim) precedes צְבָאוֹת (tsÿva’ot) in Pss 80:4, 19; 84:8 as well.

8 tn Heb “wake up to punish” (see Pss 35:23; 44:23).