Psalms 55:10
Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
Original Language Analysis
וָלַ֗יְלָה
and night
H3915
וָלַ֗יְלָה
and night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
יְסוֹבְבֻ֥הָ
they go about
H5437
יְסוֹבְבֻ֥הָ
they go about
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
3 of 8
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְאָ֖וֶן
thereof mischief
H205
וְאָ֖וֶן
thereof mischief
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
6 of 8
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cities had watchmen on walls day and night (Isaiah 21:11-12). David describes Jerusalem's guardians as the very sources of wickedness, indicating corruption at the highest levels of government.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians respond when governing authorities become agents of injustice?
- What is the relationship between personal godliness and societal transformation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The personification of violence and strife as sentries on city walls inverts the image of watchmen who protect. When wickedness becomes institutionalized in leadership, society itself becomes the enemy of righteousness. This prophetically warns of apostate Jerusalem and ultimately anticipates Babylon the Great in Revelation 18.