Psalms 63:10

Authorized King James Version

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They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

Original Language Analysis

יַגִּירֻ֥הוּ They shall fall H5064
יַגִּירֻ֥הוּ They shall fall
Strong's: H5064
Word #: 1 of 7
to flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְדֵי by the sword H3027
יְדֵי by the sword
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 3 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
חָ֑רֶב H2719
חָ֑רֶב
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 4 of 7
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
מְנָ֖ת they shall be a portion H4521
מְנָ֖ת they shall be a portion
Strong's: H4521
Word #: 5 of 7
an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence)
שֻׁעָלִ֣ים for foxes H7776
שֻׁעָלִ֣ים for foxes
Strong's: H7776
Word #: 6 of 7
a jackal (as a burrower)
יִהְיֽוּ׃ H1961
יִהְיֽוּ׃
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 7 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis & Commentary

The violent fate predicted—'fall by the sword... portion for foxes'—uses warfare imagery to depict complete defeat. Bodies left for scavengers indicated shameful death (1 Kings 14:11), the opposite of honorable burial. This anticipates the fate of God's enemies who oppose His anointed, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's enemies (Psalm 110:1).

Historical Context

Absalom's death and hasty burial in a pit (2 Samuel 18:17) fulfilled this prophecy. Denial of proper burial was considered extreme disgrace in ancient Israel, reserved for the most wicked.

Questions for Reflection