Proverbs 24:15
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
לִנְוֵ֣ה
man against the dwelling
H5116
לִנְוֵ֣ה
man against the dwelling
Strong's:
H5116
Word #:
4 of 8
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Isaiah 32:18And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;Acts 9:24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.Psalms 140:5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.Jeremiah 11:19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.
Historical Context
Israel's enemies repeatedly plotted their destruction, yet God preserved a remnant. Individuals like Job and Joseph fell repeatedly but rose again through God's providence.
Questions for Reflection
- When facing opposition, do you trust God's promise that the righteous will ultimately rise?
- How does this assurance of final vindication provide strength for present trials?
Analysis & Commentary
'Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous'—this commands (addressed ironically to the wicked) not to plot against God's people. Don't ambush or 'spoil his resting place' (destroy his home/peace). Verses 15-16 warn that attacking the righteous will fail and rebound. The righteous may fall seven times (repeatedly) but will 'rise up again'—God preserves His people. Meanwhile, the wicked 'shall fall into mischief'—their own plots will destroy them. This comforts persecuted believers: enemies' schemes will fail; God will vindicate and restore His own. This doesn't promise immunity from suffering but assurance of ultimate deliverance. The righteous's final rising is certain; the wicked's final falling is inevitable.