Psalms 7:12

If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָ֭שׁוּב

H7725

If he turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

חַרְבּ֣וֹ

H2719

his sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

יִלְט֑וֹשׁ

H3913

not he will whet

properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen

קַשְׁתּ֥וֹ

H7198

his bow

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

דָ֝רַ֗ךְ

H1869

he hath bent

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

וַֽיְכוֹנְנֶֽהָ׃

H3559

and made it ready

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?