Psalms Chapter 18 · Verse 45

Authorized King James Version

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The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

Original Language Analysis

בְּנֵי The strangers H1121
בְּנֵי The strangers
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 1 of 5
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נֵכָ֥ר H5236
נֵכָ֥ר
Strong's: H5236
Word #: 2 of 5
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
יִבֹּ֑לוּ shall fade away H5034
יִבֹּ֑לוּ shall fade away
Strong's: H5034
Word #: 3 of 5
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
וְ֝יַחְרְג֗וּ and be afraid H2727
וְ֝יַחְרְג֗וּ and be afraid
Strong's: H2727
Word #: 4 of 5
properly, to leap suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to be dismayed
מִֽמִּסְגְּרֽוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ out of their close places H4526
מִֽמִּסְגְּרֽוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ out of their close places
Strong's: H4526
Word #: 5 of 5
something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold

Analysis & Commentary

Foreigners lost heart and came trembling from their fortresses. The Hebrew 'nabel' (lost heart/faded) and 'chagar' (trembling/girding) indicate fear causing paralysis. Strong fortifications couldn't prevent terror when facing God's anointed. This anticipates Rahab's testimony that Jericho's hearts melted hearing of Yahweh's acts (Joshua 2:11) and the ultimate fear at Christ's return (Revelation 6:15-16).

Historical Context

Describes psychological warfare where David's God-given reputation caused enemies to surrender before battle, recognizing futility of resistance against God's chosen king.

Questions for Reflection