Psalms 109:17
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
Original Language Analysis
וַתְּבוֹאֵ֑הוּ
so let it come
H935
וַתְּבוֹאֵ֑הוּ
so let it come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְֽלֹא
H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָפֵ֥ץ
unto him as he delighted
H2654
חָפֵ֥ץ
unto him as he delighted
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
Cross References
Matthew 7:2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.Proverbs 14:14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.Ezekiel 35:6Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.Revelation 16:6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures took blessings and curses with utmost seriousness. Treaty curses invoked gods to enforce oaths. David's enemy weaponized cursing against the anointed; thus his curses boomerang as divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle "you reap what you sow" apply to your words, attitudes, and heart orientation?
- What does it mean to "love cursing" versus "delight in blessing"—how do these orientations shape destiny?
- How can you cultivate a heart that delights in blessing others, knowing blessing returns to the blesser (Gen 12:3)?
Analysis & Commentary
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him (וַיֶּאֱהַב קְלָלָה וַתְּבוֹאֵהוּ, vaye'ehav kelalah vattevo'ehu)—he אָהַב (ahav, "loved") קְלָלָה (kelalah, "cursing"), so it comes upon him. As he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him (וְלֹא־חָפֵץ בִּבְרָכָה וַתִּרְחַק מִמֶּנּוּ, velo-chafets bivrachah vattirchak mimenu)—he had no pleasure (חָפֵץ, chafets) in בְּרָכָה (berachah, "blessing"), so it distances itself.
This is the lex talionis (law of retaliation) in spiritual terms: you receive what you love. Proverbs 26:2 states "the curse causeless shall not come," but a curse loved returns to its sender. Balaam learned this—hired to curse Israel, his curses became blessings (Num 23:11); ultimately he died in judgment (Num 31:8). The principle appears throughout Scripture: those who curse God's people curse themselves (Gen 12:3). Galatians 6:7 summarizes: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." David doesn't create new judgment; he asks God to return the enemy's own wickedness upon his head.