Psalm 59 13

Psalm 59:13 kjv

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.

Psalm 59:13 nkjv

Consume them in wrath, consume them, That they may not be; And let them know that God rules in Jacob To the ends of the earth. Selah

Psalm 59:13 niv

consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.

Psalm 59:13 esv

consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah

Psalm 59:13 nlt

Destroy them in your anger!
Wipe them out completely!
Then the whole world will know
that God reigns in Israel. Interlude

Psalm 59 verses

Psalm 59 13 Meaning

Psalm 59:13 is a fervent plea from David for divine judgment upon his enemies. The core meaning is a request for God to utterly destroy these adversaries, not out of mere vindictiveness, but for a profound theological purpose: to reveal and demonstrate unequivocally that God alone reigns supremely over His covenant people (Israel/Jacob) and that His dominion extends to all ends of the earth. The desired outcome of this divine action is the experiential knowledge of God's sovereign power among all, even His foes.

Psalm 59 13 Context

Psalm 59 is an individual lament psalm from David, a "Miktam of David," given the specific superscription "when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him." This refers to the historical event recorded in 1 Samuel 19:11-12, where King Saul, driven by jealousy and a wicked spirit, sought to assassinate David in his own home. David escaped with the help of his wife, Michal. The psalm captures the raw fear and desperation of David, who sees himself as being unjustly persecuted by powerful, bloodthirsty enemies. His plea for God to "consume them" and to let them "be no more" (v.13) reflects his earnest desire for deliverance and justice from these evil pursuers. The broader context of the psalm emphasizes the wickedness and lawlessness of his enemies (who "prowl like dogs," "spew with their mouths") contrasted with David's own innocence and reliance on God. Verse 13 transitions from the specific prayer for destruction to the universal, redemptive purpose of that judgment—to declare God's sovereign rule to all.

Psalm 59 13 Word analysis

• Consume (כַּלֵּה - kallēh): An imperative form of the verb "kālāh," meaning to bring to an end, finish, complete, or consume. It denotes total destruction, cessation of being, or complete eradication. The repetition emphasizes the intensity and certainty of this requested outcome. It implies God's full and decisive action.

• Them: Refers directly to the enemies mentioned throughout the Psalm, who seek to take David's life without cause.

• In wrath (בְחֵמָה - bᵉchēmāh): "Chēmāh" signifies a heated emotion, anger, fury, or burning indignation, often specifically divine wrath. This is not human revenge, but a plea for God to act righteously according to His just anger against sin and opposition to His will.

• Consume them (כַּלֵּה - kallēh): Repetition for emphasis, underscoring the finality and totality of the destruction prayed for.

• That they may be no more (אֵין - ʾên): Literally "until there is no [more of them]." This is a negative particle indicating non-existence or cessation. The judgment's goal is complete annihilation of their threat and influence, rendering them powerless.

• Let them know (וְיֵדְעוּ - wᵉyēdᵉʿû): "Yada'," to know, to experience, to perceive, to be acquainted with. This is not merely intellectual awareness but an experiential, undeniable acknowledgment of God's truth, often compelled by His mighty acts. It's a purpose clause, stating why the judgment is sought.

• That God (אֱלֹהִים - ʾĚlōhīm): The generic name for God, emphasizing His role as the sovereign, supreme, and ultimate deity.

• Rules (מֹשֵׁל - mōšēl): A participle signifying "to rule," "to have dominion," "to reign." It denotes active governance, sovereignty, and supreme authority. God is presented as the active King and Governor.

• Over Jacob (בְּיַעֲקֹב - bᵉyaʿaqōḇ): "Jacob" here refers to Israel, God's covenant people. This phrase highlights God's specific protective and governing relationship with His chosen nation. God's rule is demonstrated specifically in His defense of His people.

• To the ends of the earth (עַד-אַפְסֵי-אֶרֶץ - ʿad-ʾaf-sê-ʾereṣ): A powerful idiom signifying universal reach and boundless extent. God's dominion is not confined to Israel but spans the entire globe, meaning even the most distant nations will witness and feel His power.

• Selah (סֶלָה - Selah): A technical term, likely a musical or liturgical notation. It signals a pause for contemplation or reflection on the preceding verse, emphasizing its profound theological significance.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may be no more": This phrase intensifies the plea for total, decisive, and irreversible destruction by divine indignation. It expresses the desire for an end to the threat posed by the enemies.
  • "let them know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth": This group outlines the ultimate, redemptive purpose of the judgment. The destruction of the wicked is not an end in itself but a means by which God reveals His absolute and universal sovereignty, especially as the protector and King of His chosen people, extending His power to the entire world. This ensures that His just governance is understood by all.

Psalm 59 13 Bonus section

The seemingly harsh language of "consume them in wrath" should be understood within the biblical framework of divine justice. In the Old Testament, imprecations are appeals to God's character as the righteous Judge. They are not expressions of personal hatred intended for private revenge, but rather prayers for God to execute justice in His time and way, thereby upholding His moral order and protecting His people. Such prayers reflect a deep faith that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that He will ultimately right all wrongs. The outcome of such judgments often serves as a witness to God's power to those who had previously disregarded Him. Furthermore, this verse points forward to the universal reign of God established definitively through Jesus Christ. While Old Testament kings like David embodied a limited aspect of this rule "over Jacob," Christ's dominion is absolute and extends over "all the ends of the earth" (e.g., Ps 2:8). The judgment sought against ungodly oppressors also prefigures the ultimate judgment and destruction of all wickedness at the end of days, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess God's sovereign Lordship (Phil 2:10-11).

Psalm 59 13 Commentary

Psalm 59:13 presents a classic example of an imprecatory plea in the Psalms, characterized by David's petition for God's judgment on his enemies. However, it’s vital to understand the purpose behind this plea. David's request for God to "consume them in wrath" is not simply a personal vindictive wish, but a desperate cry for God to vindicate His own character and cause. The core intent is theological: "that they may be no more; let them know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth." The "knowing" desired is an experiential knowledge, an undeniable manifestation of God’s active reign. David recognizes that the assaults on him, as God's anointed, are ultimately an assault on God's sovereign authority and His covenant with Israel ("over Jacob"). Thus, the destruction of the wicked serves as a profound object lesson to all, demonstrating that no power on earth, no matter how strong or arrogant, can defy the King of the universe. This powerful declaration culminates in "to the ends of the earth," emphasizing the universal reach and implications of God's rule, ensuring that His power is seen by all, even those far removed or previously oblivious to Him. It's a testament to God's ultimate justice and His unyielding commitment to His people, even in their most dire moments of peril. This truth serves to comfort the afflicted and to warn the arrogant, reminding all of God's unshakable dominion.