Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀
But thou O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀
But thou O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
תּוֹרִדֵ֬ם׀
shalt bring them down
H3381
תּוֹרִדֵ֬ם׀
shalt bring them down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
3 of 14
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
שַׁ֗חַת
of destruction
H7845
שַׁ֗חַת
of destruction
Strong's:
H7845
Word #:
5 of 14
a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
men
H582
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
דָמִ֣ים
bloody
H1818
דָמִ֣ים
bloody
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
7 of 14
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְמֵיהֶ֑ם
their days
H3117
יְמֵיהֶ֑ם
their days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
Proverbs 10:27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.Psalms 5:6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.Job 15:32It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green.Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.Psalms 73:18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.Ecclesiastes 7:17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Historical Context
Both Ahithophel and Absalom died violently before their time, fulfilling this prophecy. Ahithophel hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23) and Absalom was killed despite David's orders to spare him (2 Samuel 18:14), demonstrating divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the assurance of God's justice help you endure when the wicked prosper temporarily?
- What does it mean to 'trust in God' when facing betrayal and violence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast between the wicked's shortened days and the righteous's preservation reveals God's sovereign control over lifespans. 'Pit of destruction' translates Hebrew 'be'er shachat' (pit of corruption), evoking both Sheol and physical death. David's confidence ('I will trust in thee') demonstrates covenant faith—the righteous endure not by merit but by God's electing grace.