Psalms 18:40

Authorized King James Version

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Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

Original Language Analysis

וְֽאֹיְבַ֗י of mine enemies H341
וְֽאֹיְבַ֗י of mine enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 1 of 6
hating; an adversary
נָתַ֣תָּה Thou hast also given H5414
נָתַ֣תָּה Thou hast also given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 2 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִּ֣י H0
לִּ֣י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 6
עֹ֑רֶף me the necks H6203
עֹ֑רֶף me the necks
Strong's: H6203
Word #: 4 of 6
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
וּ֝מְשַׂנְאַ֗י them that hate H8130
וּ֝מְשַׂנְאַ֗י them that hate
Strong's: H8130
Word #: 5 of 6
to hate (personally)
אַצְמִיתֵֽם׃ that I might destroy H6789
אַצְמִיתֵֽם׃ that I might destroy
Strong's: H6789
Word #: 6 of 6
to extirpate (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

God made enemies turn their backs to David so he destroyed those who hated him. Enemies fleeing indicates rout and total victory. The Hebrew 'oreph' (back/neck) suggests retreat. Destroying haters ('sane') demonstrates thorough judgment. This is holy war language where God fights for His people. It anticipates the final judgment where Christ defeats all who oppose Him (Revelation 19:15, 21). God vindicates His own.

Historical Context

Describes the aftermath of battles where God caused enemy forces to flee in panic, allowing David's smaller forces to achieve decisive victories.

Questions for Reflection