Psalms 18:44

Authorized King James Version

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְשֵׁ֣מַֽע

H8088

As soon as they hear

something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience

אֹ֭זֶן

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

יִשָּׁ֣מְעוּ

H8085

of me they shall obey

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לִ֑י

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

me the strangers

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵ֝כָ֗ר

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

יְכַחֲשׁוּ

H3584

shall submit

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

לִֽי׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. 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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?