Psalms 44:25
For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֶעָפָ֣ר
to the dust
H6083
לֶעָפָ֣ר
to the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
3 of 7
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ
For our soul
H5315
נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ
For our soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
דָּבְקָ֖ה
cleaveth
H1692
דָּבְקָ֖ה
cleaveth
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
Cross References
Psalms 119:25My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.Isaiah 51:23But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.Lamentations 4:5They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
Historical Context
The imagery echoes the curse of the serpent (Genesis 3:14) who would eat dust, and the mourning postures of Job (Job 16:15). Being pressed to the earth suggests return to dust, approaching death.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'bowed to the dust' spiritually?
- How is this posture of complete helplessness actually a posture of faith?
Analysis & Commentary
The desperate condition: 'For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.' This posture of complete prostration suggests either humble worship or utter defeat--probably both. They lie face-down in the dust, unable to rise, completely dependent on divine intervention to restore them.