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

PSALMS 59:11KJV
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Psalms 59:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 59:11 mean?

Psalms 59:11 asks God not to destroy David’s enemies outright, but instead to scatter them and bring them low by His power, so that God’s people will not forget what He has done. The verse describes God as a shield, showing trust in God’s protection while asking for a measured response to the threat.

David is speaking in this psalm, praying to God while facing enemies who are seeking his life. Rather than asking for their immediate death, David requests that God deal with them in a way that serves as a lasting reminder of God’s justice and strength. The verse reflects both a plea for deliverance and a desire for God’s actions to teach and protect the wider community.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 59:11

  • “Slay” (הָרַג, harag): This word means to kill or destroy. David specifically asks God not to use this option, showing a wish for a different kind of judgment.
  • “Scatter” (נָעַע, na’a): This word carries the sense of shaking, tossing, or causing to wander. David is asking God to disrupt and disperse his enemies rather than to wipe them out.
  • “Power” (חַיִל, chayil): Often translated as strength or might, this word highlights that the act of scattering is done by God’s overwhelming force, not by human means.
  • “Down” (יָרַד, yarad): This word means to bring down or humble. David wants God to lower the pride or position of his enemies, not just remove them physically.
  • “Shield” (מָגֵן, magen): Calling God a shield emphasizes trust in God’s ongoing protection, not just a one-time rescue.

Why Psalms 59:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David is not seeking revenge or total destruction, but rather a response from God that will have a lasting impact and serve as a lesson for others.
  • The request to scatter rather than slay shows a concern for the memory and faith of God’s people, so they will not forget God’s deliverance.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the psalm, which is about trusting God’s justice and protection in the face of persistent threats, rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.

Where else these words appear

“scatter” Hebrew H5128 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • Job 16:4 I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.
  • Isaiah 29:9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

“shield” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

“forget” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.