Psalms 45:5

Authorized King James Version

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Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.

Original Language Analysis

חִצֶּ֗יךָ Thine arrows H2671
חִצֶּ֗יךָ Thine arrows
Strong's: H2671
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
שְׁנ֫וּנִ֥ים are sharp H8150
שְׁנ֫וּנִ֥ים are sharp
Strong's: H8150
Word #: 2 of 8
to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
עַ֭מִּים whereby the people H5971
עַ֭מִּים whereby the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 3 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
תַּחְתֶּ֣יךָ H8478
תַּחְתֶּ֣יךָ
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 4 of 8
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יִפְּל֑וּ fall H5307
יִפְּל֑וּ fall
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 5 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
בְּ֝לֵ֗ב in the heart H3820
בְּ֝לֵ֗ב in the heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 6 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אוֹיְבֵ֥י enemies H341
אוֹיְבֵ֥י enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 7 of 8
hating; an adversary
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ of the king's H4428
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ of the king's
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 8 of 8
a king

Analysis & Commentary

Sharp arrows pierce enemy hearts, causing peoples to fall beneath the king. The imagery of warfare serves justice: enemies 'fall under thee' because they oppose God's righteous cause. This martial language, applied to the Davidic king, anticipates Revelation's description of Christ conquering by the 'sword of his mouth.'

Historical Context

Royal psalms celebrated the king as Yahweh's agent in establishing justice. The king's military victories were interpreted as divine judgment against nations opposing God's purposes.

Questions for Reflection