Psalms 68:21
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
But God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
But God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִמְחַץ֮
shall wound
H4272
יִמְחַץ֮
shall wound
Strong's:
H4272
Word #:
3 of 9
to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy
רֹ֤אשׁ
the head
H7218
רֹ֤אשׁ
the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Habakkuk 3:13Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.Psalms 110:6He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.Psalms 7:12If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.Luke 13:5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Psalms 55:23But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Historical Context
Ancient warriors often wore long hair as a sign of strength and pride (like Absalom). God's striking the hairy scalp symbolizes humbling the proud and judging those who continue in sin without repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's crushing of Satan's head provide assurance in spiritual battles?
- What areas of pride or 'hairy scalp' in your life need God's humbling judgment?
- How should the certainty of God's final judgment motivate evangelism and holy living?
Analysis & Commentary
God 'shall wound the head of his enemies' echoes Genesis 3:15's proto-gospel: the Seed would crush the serpent's head. The 'hairy scalp' of the impenitent suggests pride and unrepentant wickedness. God's judgment is certain for those who persist in rebellion. This ultimate head-wound finds fulfillment in Christ's decisive victory over Satan at Calvary—though Satan bruised Christ's heel, Christ crushed Satan's head fatally (Colossians 2:15).