Psalms 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ק֘וּמָ֤ה

H6965

Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הוֹשִׁ֘יעֵ֤נִי

H3467

save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֱלֹהַ֗י

H430

me O my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִכִּ֣יתָ

H5221

for thou hast smitten

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

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

אֹיְבַ֣י

H341

all mine enemies

hating; an adversary

#10

לֶ֑חִי

H3895

upon the cheek bone

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

#11

שִׁנֵּ֖י

H8127

the teeth

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

#12

רְשָׁעִ֣ים

H7563

of the ungodly

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#13

שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ׃

H7665

thou hast broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?