Psalms 132:18
His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
Original Language Analysis
אַלְבִּ֣ישׁ
will I clothe
H3847
אַלְבִּ֣ישׁ
will I clothe
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
בֹּ֑שֶׁת
with shame
H1322
בֹּ֑שֶׁת
with shame
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
3 of 6
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
Cross References
Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.Job 8:22They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.Psalms 109:29Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Daniel 12:2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Historical Context
David's enemies were repeatedly defeated (2 Samuel 8). Solomon experienced peace as enemies were subdued. Despite periods when Davidic kings seemed weak or were removed (exile), God's ultimate purpose prevailed. Christ's resurrection defeated all enemies (1 Corinthians 15:25-26; Philippians 2:9-11), and His reign continues flourishing as gospel spreads.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being 'clothed with shame' picture complete, public defeat?
- What does the crown 'flourishing' suggest about the nature of Messianic kingdom?
- How has Christ's crown flourished through history despite opposition?
- What encouragement does this give believers facing enemies of the gospel?
- How does this ending resolve the psalm's opening plea (vv. 1-5) and God's promises (vv. 11-17)?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with judgment and blessing: 'His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.' The phrase 'his enemies' refers to opponents of God's anointed king (Davidic descendant). The judgment 'will I clothe with shame' reverses the blessing of being clothed with salvation (v. 16) - enemies receive shame as their garment. 'Shame' (boshet) means disappointment, humiliation, defeat - their plots fail and they're exposed. The contrast 'but upon himself' emphasizes difference between enemies' fate and king's fate. The promise 'shall his crown flourish' pictures the king's authority and glory increasing, spreading, thriving. 'Crown' (nezer) represents royal authority, honor, consecration. 'Flourish' (tsuts) means to blossom, sparkle, shine. The ending assures that God's anointed will triumph while enemies fail. Ultimately fulfilled in Christ whose enemies become His footstool and whose kingdom has no end.