Psalms 18:38
I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
Original Language Analysis
אֶ֭מְחָצֵם
I have wounded
H4272
אֶ֭מְחָצֵם
I have wounded
Strong's:
H4272
Word #:
1 of 7
to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֻ֣כְלוּ
them that they were not able
H3201
יֻ֣כְלוּ
them that they were not able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
3 of 7
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
ק֑וּם
to rise
H6965
ק֑וּם
to rise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
4 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יִ֝פְּל֗וּ
they are fallen
H5307
יִ֝פְּל֗וּ
they are fallen
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
5 of 7
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Historical Context
Victory language common in ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions, here applied to David's God-given military success establishing a secure kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience Christ's victory over enemies that once defeated you?
- What does it mean to reign with Christ in your current circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
David struck down enemies so they could not rise, falling under his feet. The Hebrew 'machats' (struck/shattered) indicates devastating defeat. Enemies under feet imagery appears throughout Scripture symbolizing complete subjugation (Joshua 10:24, Psalm 110:1). This anticipates Christ's enemies made His footstool (Hebrews 10:13) and believers reigning with Him (Revelation 5:10). God grants His people triumph over opposition.