Psalms 64:8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּכְשִׁיל֣וּהוּ

H3782

to fall

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

עָלֵ֣ימוֹ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם

H3956

So they shall make their own tongue

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,

יִ֝תְנֹדֲד֗וּ

H5074

them shall flee away

properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֹ֥אֵה

H7200

upon themselves all that see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בָֽם׃

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?