David cries out that his attackers are not after him for any crime or sin he has committed. He’s declaring his innocence not as a claim of perfection, but because the violence against him is utterly unprovoked by any wrong he has done to them.
For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is in deep distress, surrounded by enemies who are actively plotting to take his life. He's facing a conspiracy from powerful individuals who have gathered against him, yet he vehemently declares his innocence in this persecution. He insists to God that these attackers have no legitimate reason—no transgression or sin on his part—to justify their pursuit and hatred.
Imagine feeling like you're constantly being watched, with danger lurking around every corner. David felt this acutely, and it fuels his desperate plea.
The verse opens with a vivid picture: 'they lie in wait for my life.' This isn't just a casual threat; it's a calculated, hidden danger. The scholars note that this language often refers to setting an ambush, like wild beasts hunting their prey. David's enemies, described as 'mighty' or 'strong ones,' weren't just a disorganized mob. They were powerful individuals, organized and determined to take his life. This highlights the severity of his situation – he's facing not just hostility, but a deliberate, strategic assault by formidable forces.
When life feels unfair, and you're suffering for no reason, where do you turn? David's response is a powerful declaration of innocence.
The most striking part of this verse for David is the 'why.' He emphatically states, 'not for my transgression or sin, O LORD.' He acknowledges his sinfulness before God in general terms ('I am a sinner before thee, O Lord,' as Benson notes), but he insists that in this specific instance, his enemies have no legitimate cause. There was no crime he had committed against them, no rebellion or treason against Saul. This declaration of innocence isn't about self-righteousness; it's a plea to God, the ultimate Judge, that his suffering is unjust. It’s a profound assertion that his persecution stems not from his wrongdoing, but from the malice and wickedness of his enemies.
Understand the original words
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God, revealed to Moses, representing His self-existent, eternal nature and His faithfulness to His covenant promises to His people.
pesha · Hebrew Noun
A departure from God’s standard or command, often carrying the sense of rebellion or a breaking of a relationship or law against a superior.
chatta'ah · Hebrew Noun
Missing the mark of God's holy standard; a failure to fulfill one's duty to God or neighbor, whether by act, thought, or omission.
tsaba'ot · Hebrew Noun
A descriptive title for God indicating His sovereignty over the celestial armies of angels and the entire created order, emphasizing His power and authority.
selah · Hebrew Interjection/Noun
A liturgical or musical notation, likely indicating a pause, a moment for reflection, or a musical interlude, inviting the reader to meditate on the preceding words.
Psalm 59 vividly portrays David's desperate situation as a fugitive, hunted by King Saul's forces. The verse highlights his innocence of any crime against Saul, emphasizing that the pursuit was driven by malice and paranoia, not justice.
c. 1025–1015 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints the young David as king of Israel, initiating a period of tension and jealousy with the reigning King Saul.
c. 1017 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
King Saul, increasingly paranoid and jealous of David's popularity and military success, attempts to kill him. David is forced to flee and live as a fugitive.
c. 1015 BC
Death of King Saul
Saul and his son Jonathan die in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. This event marks the end of Saul's reign and allows David to become king.
This passage describes Saul sending men to lie in wait for David's life, directly illustrating the situation described in Psalms 59:3.
Psalms 35:12This verse echoes the theme of undeserved suffering, stating 'They repay me evil for good and hatred for my affection,' mirroring David's complaint of being attacked without cause.
Luke 20:20This New Testament passage shows religious leaders 'lying in wait' for Jesus, seeking to trap him in his words and deliver him to the authorities, paralleling the malicious intent of David's enemies.
John 18:22This verse describes an officer striking Jesus when he spoke to the guards, highlighting the hostile and aggressive actions of those who opposed him, akin to the 'fierce men' in the psalm.
Acts 23:12This passage recounts a conspiracy by Jewish leaders to kill Paul, demonstrating how groups would 'lie in wait' to harm innocent individuals, much like David experienced.
pulpitPsalms 59:3: "For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD."
Verse 3. - For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul. The emissaries of Saul were sent to David's house "to watch him, and to slay him in the morning" (1 Samuel 19:11). This seems to be the "lying in wait" intended. Warned by his wife, Michal, Saul's daughter, David fled from his house during the night through a window, and so saved himself (1 Samuel 19:12). Th…
clarkePsalms 59:3: "For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD."
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul - For my life. See the passages referred to above.
David cries out that his attackers are not after him for any crime or sin he has committed. He’s declaring his innocence not as a claim of perfection, but because the violence against him is utterly unprovoked by any wrong he has done to them.
David is in deep distress, surrounded by enemies who are actively plotting to take his life. He's facing a conspiracy from powerful individuals who have gathered against him, yet he vehemently declares his innocence in this persecution. He insists to God that these attackers have no legitimate reason—no transgression or sin on his part—to justify their pursuit and hatred.
David is in deep distress, surrounded by enemies who are actively plotting to take his life. He's facing a conspiracy from powerful individuals who have gathered against him, yet he vehemently declares his innocence in this persecution. He insists to God that these attackers have no legitimate reason—no transgression or sin on his part—to justify their pursuit and hatred.
"For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! You, LORD God of h…" — David cries out that his attackers are not after him for any crime or sin he has committed. He’s declaring his innocence not as a claim of perfection, but because the violence against him is utterly…
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Last reviewed October 2026
