Psalms 42:10
As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽעַצְמוֹתַ֗י
in my bones
H6106
בְּֽעַצְמוֹתַ֗י
in my bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
2 of 10
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
חֵרְפ֥וּנִי
reproach
H2778
חֵרְפ֥וּנִי
reproach
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
3 of 10
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
צוֹרְרָ֑י
mine enemies
H6887
צוֹרְרָ֑י
mine enemies
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
4 of 10
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 42:3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?Joel 2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Historical Context
The metaphor of words as swords appears throughout wisdom literature. Proverbs 12:18 notes that 'there is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword.' The psalmist's enemies understood that theological mockery wounded the devout most deeply.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does mockery of our faith wound more deeply than other attacks?
- How should we respond when others use our suffering as evidence against our God?
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Analysis & Commentary
The enemy's reproach is 'as with a sword in my bones'--the taunt 'Where is thy God?' inflicts wounds as deep as physical attack. The repetition of this mocking question (from verse 3) emphasizes its continual, piercing nature. Spiritual mockery wounds more deeply than physical assault.