Psalms 21:8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תִּמְצָ֥א

H4672

shall find out

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

יָ֭דְךָ

H3027

Thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹיְבֶ֑יךָ

H341

all thine enemies

hating; an adversary

יְ֝מִֽינְךָ

H3225

thy right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

תִּמְצָ֥א

H4672

shall find out

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

שֹׂנְאֶֽיךָ׃

H8130

those that hate

to hate (personally)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?