Psalms 35:8

Authorized King James Version

Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תְּבוֹאֵ֣הוּ

H935

come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּ֝שׁוֹאָ֗ה

H7722

Let destruction

a tempest; by implication, devastation

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵ֫דָ֥ע

H3045

upon him at unawares

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְרִשְׁתּ֣וֹ

H7568

and let his net

a net (as catching animals)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

טָמַ֣ן

H2934

that he hath hid

to hide (by covering over)

תִּלְכְּד֑וֹ

H3920

catch

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

בְּ֝שׁוֹאָ֗ה

H7722

Let destruction

a tempest; by implication, devastation

#10

יִפָּל

H5307

let him fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#11

בָּֽהּ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
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?