Psalms 119:95
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
Original Language Analysis
קִוּ֣וּ
have waited
H6960
קִוּ֣וּ
have waited
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
2 of 6
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
The wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
לְאַבְּדֵ֑נִי
for me to destroy
H6
לְאַבְּדֵ֑נִי
for me to destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
Historical Context
Persecution of the righteous is a biblical constant: Joseph's brothers, David fleeing Saul, Jeremiah in the cistern, Daniel's accusers, early church martyrs. This verse became a liturgy for suffering saints, teaching that meditation on Scripture provides stability when enemies surround.
Questions for Reflection
- When facing opposition or spiritual attack, what typically captures your attention—the threat or God's Word?
- How can "considering God's testimonies" function as spiritual warfare against fear and discouragement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me (לִי קִוּוּ רְשָׁעִים לְאַבְּדֵנִי li kivvu resha'im le'abbedeni)—Kavah (wait, lie in wait) suggests patient, predatory malice. The resha'im (wicked, guilty) plot the psalmist's abad (destruction, ruin). But I will consider thy testimonies (עֵדֹתֶיךָ אֶתְבּוֹנָן edotekha etbonen)—Calm resolve. Bin (understand, consider, meditate) indicates focused contemplation amid chaos.
This contrasts two "waitings": enemies wait to destroy, the psalmist waits on God by meditating on edot (testimonies, witnesses). David faced such plots (1 Samuel 23:25-26); Jesus endured scribes and Pharisees laying snares (Matthew 22:15). The godly response isn't retaliation but recalibration—refocusing on God's faithfulness when surrounded by hostility. Psalm 56:3 captures this: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."