Psalms 70:2

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.

Original Language Analysis

יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ Let them be ashamed H954
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ Let them be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְיַחְפְּרוּ֮ and confounded H2659
וְיַחְפְּרוּ֮ and confounded
Strong's: H2659
Word #: 2 of 9
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י that seek H1245
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י that seek
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 3 of 9
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י after my soul H5315
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י after my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 4 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יִסֹּ֣גוּ let them be turned H5472
יִסֹּ֣גוּ let them be turned
Strong's: H5472
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
אָ֭חוֹר backward H268
אָ֭חוֹר backward
Strong's: H268
Word #: 6 of 9
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
וְיִכָּלְמ֑וּ and put to confusion H3637
וְיִכָּלְמ֑וּ and put to confusion
Strong's: H3637
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י that desire H2655
חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י that desire
Strong's: H2655
Word #: 8 of 9
pleased with
רָעָתִֽי׃ my hurt H7451
רָעָתִֽי׃ my hurt
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 9 of 9
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis & Commentary

The imprecatory prayer for enemies to be 'ashamed and confounded' seeks their defeat and humiliation. 'Turned backward' means routed in battle. 'Put to confusion' depicts total disarray. These prayers aren't personal vengeance but appeals for God's justice against those opposing His purposes. Such psalms anticipate final judgment on impenitent evil (Revelation 19:11-21) while modeling how to process anger righteously—bringing it to God rather than taking revenge (Romans 12:19).

Historical Context

Psalm 70 parallels Psalm 40:13-17, a cry for help against enemies. In David's context, personal enemies often opposed God's anointed king, making attacks on David attacks on God's purposes.

Questions for Reflection