Psalms 63:9
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ
But those that seek
H1245
יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ
But those that seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
3 of 7
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יָ֝בֹ֗אוּ
it shall go
H935
יָ֝בֹ֗אוּ
it shall go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 7
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Psalms 55:15Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.Psalms 9:17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.Psalms 40:14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.1 Samuel 25:29Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.Isaiah 14:15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.Isaiah 14:9Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.Isaiah 14:19But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.Psalms 35:4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.Psalms 38:12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.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.
Historical Context
Absalom and his conspirators did indeed die violently (2 Samuel 18:14-15), fulfilling this prophecy. The 'lower parts of the earth' refers to Sheol, the realm of the dead, indicating both physical death and divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does confidence in God's ultimate justice affect your response to current persecution?
- What is the difference between personal vengeance and trusting God's judicial vindication?
Analysis & Commentary
The pronouncement that those seeking David's soul 'shall go into the lower parts of the earth' indicates Sheol—not merely death but judgment. This judicial declaration reflects David's confidence that God will vindicate by judging his persecutors. The certainty ('shall go') demonstrates faith in divine justice, not personal revenge.