Psalms 55:9
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Original Language Analysis
בַּלַּ֣ע
Destroy
H1104
בַּלַּ֣ע
Destroy
Strong's:
H1104
Word #:
1 of 9
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם
their tongues
H3956
לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם
their tongues
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
4 of 9
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רָאִ֨יתִי
for I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֨יתִי
for I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
חָמָ֖ס
violence
H2555
חָמָ֖ס
violence
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
7 of 9
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
Historical Context
The reference to seeing 'violence and strife in the city' likely refers to Jerusalem during Absalom's coup, where civil war divided the nation. Ancient cities depended on internal unity for survival against external threats.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you pray for justice while maintaining love for enemies as Christ commanded?
- What does God's eventual judgment on wickedness reveal about His character and kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's imprecatory prayer for divine confusion of enemies recalls the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:7-9) and anticipates God's judgment on the wicked. Reformed theology affirms that such prayers, when offered in righteousness, align with God's justice. The 'violence and strife' David witnessed in Jerusalem prefigure the city's eventual judgment for rejecting Christ.