Psalms 59:14

And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

Psalms 59:14 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 59 is a prayer of David when King Saul sent men to watch his house and kill him. In this verse, David speaks about his enemies. He asks that they return at evening, make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. This is not a description of what they already do, but a prayer that their own evil actions become their punishment. The same activity appears in Psalm 59:6 as a fact; here David turns it into a request that their sin brings them down.

Meaning

The phrase “let them return at evening” means that David’s enemies will keep coming back, but their efforts will fail. Evening is the end of the day, so their plans will come to nothing. The dog was not a loved pet in ancient Israel. Dogs were wild animals that roamed the streets and ate garbage. To say that enemies make a noise like a dog is to say they are loud, hungry, and shameful. They circle the city like scavengers, but they cannot enter or harm the one whom God protects.

David’s words show that the wicked may be persistent. They may come again and again, but their power is limited. They are like dogs that bark and prowl in the dark, yet they cannot overcome God’s chosen one. The evening setting also suggests that their triumph is temporary. It belongs to the darkness, while God’s deliverance will come with the morning.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of a larger psalm where David declares that God is his defence and refuge. The same picture of enemies returning like dogs appears in Psalm 59:6, and the repetition shows how constant the threat was. David does not fight with his own strength; he prays and waits for God to act. The New Testament also teaches that believers should not take revenge but leave room for God’s justice (Romans 12:19). This verse agrees with that principle. David asks God to deal with the wicked, and he trusts the outcome to Him.

Application

When people oppose us or speak against us, we can feel like dogs are circling us. Their words may be loud and their plans may seem strong. Like David, we should bring our fears to God in prayer. We do not need to answer every attack or defend ourselves with our own hands. God sees the activities of the wicked, and He will act at the right time.

We can also learn that the apparent success of evil is short. The enemies may return every evening, but their noise is empty. God is our stronghold, and He will not abandon His people. We can wait patiently, knowing that His justice is sure.

Reflection

Consider the times when you feel surrounded by trouble. Do you trust that God sees your situation? David’s prayer teaches us to be honest about our fears while also being confident in God’s power. The wicked may circle, but they cannot break through God’s protection. Let this verse remind you that the darkness of evening is not the end. God’s light will dawn, and His deliverance will come.