This psalm has characteristics of an individual lament- 59:1-4- and a national lament- 59:5, 8, 13.

Some key themes in Psalm 59
1. David's description of his enemies- 59:1, 2, 3, 5, 6-7, 14-15

2. His evaluation of himself- He is innocent- 59:3-4; He puts his trust in God- 59:9, 16-17; He sings God's praises- 59:16

3. The urgency of David's requests for help- Four imperatives are used in 59:1-2; He calls God to arouse Himself to act on his behalf- 59:4-5; The imprecatory section of 59:11-13

4. What David says about God- God is his stronghold- 59:9, 16; God's lovingkindness is stressed- 59:10, 16, 17. God rules over the nations- 59:5, 8- and He mocks those who seek to defy Him- 59:8. He will demonstrate that He rules by His judgment- 59:11-13