Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 59:6
The Treasury of David. Browse this work.
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Psalms59:6
In bringing their secret plans to bear, they are represented as hungry dogs, prowling about the city in the darkness for prey; ranging, each one with his own object, but in one common cause. To take in the full force of this metaphor it must be remembered that in Eastern cities formerly, as at the present day, it was the custom to cast out all the refuse of food —bones, offal, etc. —into the streets, which was consumed chiefly by dogs, great numbers of which were kept, as it would seem, for that particular purpose. With this idea in mind, the metaphor has great propriety in its application to Christ's enemies.
"Every evening they return
They howl like dogs,
And surround the city." —William Hill Tucker.
Verses 6-7. This is a continued metaphor, which must be well observed, of a famished and rabid dog, unable to satisfy either its hunger or thirst; and describes men, howling formerly like dogs, pursuing, seizing all good things for themselves, and devouring; but now destitute of all things, unable to quench their cupidity, despised, miserable, and desperate wanderers. Such did Saul and his messengers sent against David in Najoth Rama show themselves to be, and give the prelude to their coming misery. Hermann Venema.
Verses 6-7.
1. They are diligent about it, They return at evening.
2. Mad, and set to do it, They make a noise like a dog, and threaten boldly.
3. Unwearied and obdurate in their purpose: They go round about the city.
4. Impudent, and brag what they will do to me: Behold, they belch out with their mouth.
5. And their words are bloody: Swords are in their lips. Adam Clarke.
Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David, Psalms 59:6. Public domain.
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