Psalms 37:15
Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Original Language Analysis
חַ֭רְבָּם
Their sword
H2719
חַ֭רְבָּם
Their sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
1 of 5
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
תָּב֣וֹא
shall enter
H935
תָּב֣וֹא
shall enter
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 5
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְלִבָּ֑ם
into their own heart
H3820
בְלִבָּ֑ם
into their own heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 5
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Psalms 35:8Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.Psalms 46:9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.Jeremiah 51:56Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.Hosea 1:5And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.2 Samuel 17:23And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare stories celebrated reversals where attackers fell by their own weapons. David had witnessed this pattern repeatedly, learning to trust God's justice rather than fear enemies' weapons.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you seen instances where evil schemes backfired on their perpetrators?
- How does this principle encourage you to leave justice to God rather than plotting counter-attacks?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Poetic justice appears: the sword meant for others enters the attacker's 'own heart,' and bows break before use. This principle of self-inflicted judgment appears throughout Scripture (Esther 7:10, Proverbs 26:27). The Hebrew 'lev' (heart) represents the vital center—the very weapon aimed at victims fatally wounds the assailant. God's judgment often uses the wicked's schemes against them, teaching that evil is ultimately self-destructive. This doesn't require divine intervention so much as the intrinsic consequences of sin.