Psalms 105:25

Authorized King James Version

He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָפַ֣ךְ
He turned
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#2
לִ֭בָּם
their heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
לִשְׂנֹ֣א
to hate
to hate (personally)
#4
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
לְ֝הִתְנַכֵּ֗ל
to deal subtilly
to defraud, i.e., act treacherously
#6
בַּעֲבָדָֽיו׃
with his servants
a servant

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection