Psalms 141:6

Authorized King James Version

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When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.

Original Language Analysis

נִשְׁמְט֣וּ are overthrown H8058
נִשְׁמְט֣וּ are overthrown
Strong's: H8058
Word #: 1 of 8
to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit
בִֽידֵי places H3027
בִֽידֵי places
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 2 of 8
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
סֶ֭לַע in stony H5553
סֶ֭לַע in stony
Strong's: H5553
Word #: 3 of 8
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
שֹׁפְטֵיהֶ֑ם When their judges H8199
שֹׁפְטֵיהֶ֑ם When their judges
Strong's: H8199
Word #: 4 of 8
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
וְשָׁמְע֥וּ they shall hear H8085
וְשָׁמְע֥וּ they shall hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 5 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֲ֝מָרַ֗י my words H561
אֲ֝מָרַ֗י my words
Strong's: H561
Word #: 6 of 8
something said
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָעֵֽמוּ׃ for they are sweet H5276
נָעֵֽמוּ׃ for they are sweet
Strong's: H5276
Word #: 8 of 8
to be agreeable (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

This verse contains striking imagery of judgment and vindication. The Hebrew verb "overthrown" (shamat) means to be cast down or dashed to pieces, suggesting violent divine judgment upon corrupt judges. The phrase "in stony places" (yede-sela, literally "hands of rock") evokes imagery of judges being hurled from cliffs, a known form of execution in the ancient world.

The contrast is powerful: after the wicked judges fall, people will "hear my words"—the psalmist's words of righteousness previously ignored. The description "for they are sweet" (na'emu) indicates pleasant, agreeable words that will finally be appreciated after justice is done.

This verse reflects the biblical theme that truth may be rejected in times of corruption but will ultimately be vindicated. The "sweetness" of righteous words stands in stark contrast to the bitterness of unjust judgment. The imagery suggests that only when corrupt authority is removed can truth be properly heard and valued.

Historical Context

David likely composed this psalm during a time of persecution, possibly when fleeing from Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. In ancient Israel, judges held tremendous power and often sat at city gates to render verdicts. Corrupt judges were a recurring problem, condemned by prophets like Isaiah and Amos.

The "stony places" reference would have resonated with an ancient audience familiar with rocky terrain and cliff-side executions. Archaeological evidence from ancient Israel shows numerous high places and rocky outcrops used for both worship and execution. The psalm reflects David's confidence that God would vindicate him and overthrow those who twisted justice. This confidence was rooted in the covenant promise that God would establish His king and judge the wicked.

Questions for Reflection