Psalm 59 is one of the six Psalms labeled a "miktam." It is also one of four psalms to be sung "according to Do Not Destroy" (Ps 57-59, 75).
The psalm's superscription connects it to the time when Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him (1 Sa 19:11). In that situation God delivered David through the help of Jonathan and Michal. Accordingly, the midrash on Psalm 59 recalls Ecclesiastes 4:12, which says, "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him---a threefold cord is not quickly broken." The midrash also reflects on the value of a good spouse.
Psalm 59 is an individual lament that also takes a global view of things. The psalmist prays for God's deliverance and vindication so that the whole world will know God rules over all, and over Israel in particular (vv 5, 13).
He describes enemies who are attacking him for no reason (see 1 Sa 20:1; 24:11, where David protests his innocence), and who believe they will not he held accountable for their actions. He prays that God will punish them in such a way as to to send the most effective message to the world. He asks that they be trapped by their own plots and ultimately destroyed (vv 10-13).
In a familiar pattern in the psalms, lament is transformed to confident praise as the psalmist reflects on God's strength and faithfulness. He knows that God is his fortress, a sure source of protection.
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