Psalms 6:10
Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Original Language Analysis
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ
and be ashamed
H954
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ
and be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְיִבָּהֲל֣וּ
vexed
H926
וְיִבָּהֲל֣וּ
vexed
Strong's:
H926
Word #:
2 of 8
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
מְ֭אֹד
and sore
H3966
מְ֭אֹד
and sore
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יָ֝שֻׁ֗בוּ
let them return
H7725
יָ֝שֻׁ֗בוּ
let them return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Psalms 86:17Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.Jeremiah 20:11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.Malachi 3:18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.Isaiah 26:11LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.Psalms 7:6Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.Psalms 71:24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.Psalms 73:19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.Psalms 71:13Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.Psalms 25:3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Historical Context
Imprecatory elements in psalms reflect covenant curses against God's enemies. David could legitimately pray this as God's anointed king whose enemies were God's enemies. The 'sudden' reversal theme appears throughout Scripture - Pharaoh, Haman, Belshazzar - showing God's sovereign ability to turn tables swiftly. Final fulfillment comes when Christ returns to shame His enemies and vindicate His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you pray for justice without harboring personal vengeance?
- What does it mean to leave vengeance to the Lord while still desiring His justice?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with prayer for the enemies' defeat and shame. This isn't cruel gloating but desire for justice and vindication. The repetition of 'ashamed' and 'vexed' (using the same Hebrew word 'bahal' used of David's distress in verse 3) invokes poetic justice - may they experience the dismay they caused. 'Suddenly' emphasizes God's swift intervention when He acts. Such prayers are legitimate when they seek God's righteous judgment, not personal revenge, ultimately anticipating Christ's final judgment.