Psalms 7:13
He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
Original Language Analysis
הֵכִ֣ין
He hath also prepared
H3559
הֵכִ֣ין
He hath also prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
כְּלֵי
for him the instruments
H3627
כְּלֵי
for him the instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
3 of 7
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
מָ֑וֶת
of death
H4194
מָ֑וֶת
of death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
4 of 7
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
חִ֝צָּ֗יו
his arrows
H2671
חִ֝צָּ֗יו
his arrows
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
Cross References
Psalms 45:5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.Psalms 64:7But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.Psalms 18:14Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.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.2 Thessalonians 1:6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
Historical Context
Ancient archers prepared arrows specifically for their targets. The language emphasizes deliberate, purposeful judgment. God's ordaining of judgment weapons parallels His sovereign control over all events (Isaiah 54:16-17). This doesn't make God the author of evil but affirms His ultimate control over how He will judge evildoers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's prepared judgment comfort you when facing persecution?
- What does it mean that God has specific, ordained judgment for those who harm His people?
Analysis & Commentary
The judgment preparation continues with 'instruments of death' and arrows 'ordained' (Hebrew 'pa'al' - made ready, prepared) for persecutors. This emphasizes God's sovereign control over judgment - nothing catches Him unprepared. The arrows represent precision judgment, not random destruction. God's judgment is both comprehensive (instruments of death) and specific (arrows against persecutors). This should comfort the persecuted and warn the persecutors.