Psalms 18:5

Authorized King James Version

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חֶבְלֵ֣י

H2256

The sorrows

ruin

שְׁא֣וֹל

H7585

of hell

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

סְבָב֑וּנִי

H5437

compassed me about

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

קִ֝דְּמ֗וּנִי

H6923

prevented

to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)

מ֣וֹקְשֵׁי

H4170

the snares

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

מָֽוֶת׃

H4194

of death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?