Psalms 69:25

Authorized King James Version

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Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

Original Language Analysis

תְּהִי H1961
תְּהִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
טִֽירָתָ֥ם Let their habitation H2918
טִֽירָתָ֥ם Let their habitation
Strong's: H2918
Word #: 2 of 7
a wall; hence, a fortress or a hamlet
נְשַׁמָּ֑ה be desolate H8074
נְשַׁמָּ֑ה be desolate
Strong's: H8074
Word #: 3 of 7
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
בְּ֝אָהֳלֵיהֶ֗ם in their tents H168
בְּ֝אָהֳלֵיהֶ֗ם in their tents
Strong's: H168
Word #: 4 of 7
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 5 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יְהִ֥י H1961
יְהִ֥י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יֹשֵֽׁב׃ and let none dwell H3427
יֹשֵֽׁב׃ and let none dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Analysis & Commentary

Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. This imprecation prays for complete destruction of enemies' dwelling places and extinction of their households. "Habitation" (טִירָתָם/tiratam) can mean palace, encampment, or dwelling—the place of safety and family life. "Desolate" (שָׁמֵמָה/shamemah) indicates utter ruin, abandonment, the opposite of flourishing community. "Let none dwell in their tents" prays for total abandonment—no survivors, no inheritors, complete annihilation of the family line.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, this was the ultimate curse—not just personal death but extinction of one's household, name, and legacy. Covenant blessings included numerous descendants and lasting inheritance; covenant curses included childlessness, household destruction, and name being blotted out (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). David invokes covenant curse language, praying God's judgment extend to multiple generations of unrepentant enemies.

Peter quotes this verse (from the Septuagint's slightly different reading) in Acts 1:20 regarding Judas Iscariot: "Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein." This apostolic use demonstrates these imprecations weren't merely David's personal vendettas but prophetic prayers pointing to ultimate judgment on those who betray God's Messiah. Judas's desolate field became physical fulfillment of this prophetic prayer.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern warfare commonly included destroying enemy cities, burning houses, and eradicating populations to prevent future threat. While Scripture condemns pagan nations' total warfare against Israel (Amos 1:11, 13), it prescribes similar measures against Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-5, 20:16-18) and permits them against distant enemies (Deuteronomy 20:10-15). David's imprecation fits within covenantal warfare theology where God uses Israel to execute judgment on persistent evil.

The language of desolation echoes prophetic judgment oracles against nations (Isaiah 13:19-22, Jeremiah 49:18, Zephaniah 2:13-15). When God judges wickedness thoroughly, the result is uninhabitable waste—physical manifestation of spiritual reality.

Peter's application to Judas (Acts 1:20) demonstrates apostolic interpretive method. David's prayer regarding enemies became prophetic of Messiah's betrayer. The desolate field Judas bought with blood money fulfilled this psalm.

Questions for Reflection