Psalms 55:15
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
Original Language Analysis
יַשִּׁ֤ימָ֨וֶת׀
seize
H5377
יַשִּׁ֤ימָ֨וֶת׀
seize
Strong's:
H5377
Word #:
1 of 9
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
עָלֵ֗ימוֹ
H5921
עָלֵ֗ימוֹ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֵרְד֣וּ
upon them and let them go down
H3381
יֵרְד֣וּ
upon them and let them go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
3 of 9
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
שְׁא֣וֹל
into hell
H7585
שְׁא֣וֹל
into hell
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
4 of 9
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
חַיִּ֑ים
quick
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
quick
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 9
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 59:13Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.Psalms 64:7But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.Acts 1:25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.Psalms 9:17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.Matthew 26:24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.Matthew 27:5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.2 Samuel 18:9And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.2 Samuel 18:14Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
Historical Context
The Hebrew 'Sheol' (the grave/realm of the dead) here represents divine judgment. Ahithophel's suicide and Absalom's death in battle fulfilled this prayer, demonstrating God's justice on those who oppose His anointed king.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile Old Testament imprecatory prayers with New Testament commands to love enemies?
- What is the proper role of praying for God's justice in the present age?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This imprecatory verse must be understood through Christ's teaching to pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44) while recognizing God's just wrath against unrepentant wickedness. David's prayer aligns with divine justice, not personal vengeance. 'Let death seize upon them' reflects Hebrew poetry's vivid language for God's righteous judgment, fulfilled in the fate of Absalom and Ahithophel.