Psalms 138:7

Authorized King James Version

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֵלֵ֤ךְ׀

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּקֶ֥רֶב

H7130

in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

צָרָ֗ה

H6869

of trouble

transitively, a female rival

תְּחַ֫יֵּ֥נִי

H2421

thou wilt revive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

עַ֤ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַ֣ף

H639

against the wrath

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אֹ֭יְבַי

H341

of mine enemies

hating; an adversary

תִּשְׁלַ֣ח

H7971

me thou shalt stretch forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#10

יָדֶ֑ךָ

H3027

thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#11

וְת֖וֹשִׁיעֵ֣נִי

H3467

shall save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#12

יְמִינֶֽךָ׃

H3225

and thy right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?