Psalms 21:12
Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֭י
H3588
כִּ֭י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תְּשִׁיתֵ֣מוֹ
Therefore shalt thou make
H7896
תְּשִׁיתֵ֣מוֹ
Therefore shalt thou make
Strong's:
H7896
Word #:
2 of 7
to place (in a very wide application)
שֶׁ֑כֶם
them turn their back
H7926
שֶׁ֑כֶם
them turn their back
Strong's:
H7926
Word #:
3 of 7
the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill
בְּ֝מֵֽיתָרֶ֗יךָ
thine arrows upon thy strings
H4340
בְּ֝מֵֽיתָרֶ֗יךָ
thine arrows upon thy strings
Strong's:
H4340
Word #:
4 of 7
a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)
תְּכוֹנֵ֥ן
when thou shalt make ready
H3559
תְּכוֹנֵ֥ן
when thou shalt make ready
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Historical Context
Arrows symbolized divine judgment throughout Scripture (Deut. 32:23, Ps. 7:13). The image of God as divine archer assured Israel that military outcomes were determined in heaven, not solely on the battlefield. This encouraged trust during overwhelming odds.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing God as actively fighting for you change your approach to spiritual warfare?
- In what battles do you need to trust God's 'arrows' rather than your own strength?
Analysis & Commentary
God causes His enemies to 'turn their back' in defeat—their flight is sovereignly ordained. The imagery of God preparing arrows 'against the face of them' depicts active divine judgment. Reformed theology sees God not merely permitting evil's defeat but actively bringing it about. God is the warrior who fights for His people; victory comes through His direct intervention, not human effort alone.