Psalms 28:5
Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבִ֡ינוּ
Because they regard
H995
יָבִ֡ינוּ
Because they regard
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
3 of 12
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
nor the operation
H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
nor the operation
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
8 of 12
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יָדָ֑יו
of his hands
H3027
יָדָ֑יו
of his hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 12
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
יֶ֝הֶרְסֵ֗ם
he shall destroy
H2040
יֶ֝הֶרְסֵ֗ם
he shall destroy
Strong's:
H2040
Word #:
10 of 12
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy
Cross References
Isaiah 5:12And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;John 12:37But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:Psalms 10:5His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.2 Samuel 7:13He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
Historical Context
Israel's prophets condemned nations and individuals who disregarded God's mighty acts in history. Refusing to acknowledge divine providence hardened hearts toward further rebellion. This willful blindness brought covenant curse.
Questions for Reflection
- How do people today 'regard not the works of the LORD' despite clear evidence?
- What does God's dual capacity to 'destroy' or 'build up' teach about human responsibility?
Analysis & Commentary
The indictment 'Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands' explains why judgment is appropriate. Willful ignorance of God's revelation (both creation and providence) warrants condemnation. The consequence: 'he shall destroy them, and not build them up.' Reformed theology sees judicial hardening—those who refuse divine revelation are given over to blindness (Rom. 1:18-32). God's works and operations reveal His character; ignoring them merits judgment.