Psalms 35:25
Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
בְ֭לִבָּם
in their hearts
H3820
בְ֭לִבָּם
in their hearts
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ
so would
H5315
נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ
so would
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Lamentations 2:16All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.Psalms 124:3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
Historical Context
The metaphor of swallowing enemies appears in ancient Near Eastern conquest language, describing total destruction. David fears complete obliteration at enemies' hands, appealing to God for preservation.
Questions for Reflection
- What heart attitudes need to change even when outward behavior seems acceptable?
- How do you guard against internal gloating when those who oppose you face difficulties?
Analysis & Commentary
The heart's secret satisfaction 'Ah, so would we have it' exposes the inner malice preceding outward action. 'We have swallowed him up' uses the Hebrew 'bala' (engulf, destroy completely), the same word for Jonah being swallowed. David prays against both the attitude and the outcome—that enemies would neither mentally gloat nor actually destroy him. This reveals that sin begins internally (Matthew 5:28), making heart transformation essential for true righteousness.