Psalms 76:5

Authorized King James Version

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶשְׁתּוֹלְל֨וּ׀

H7997

are spoiled

to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder

אַבִּ֣ירֵי

H47

The stouthearted

a valiant one

לֵ֭ב

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

נָמ֣וּ

H5123

they have slept

to slumber (from drowsiness)

שְׁנָתָ֑ם

H8142

their sleep

sleep

וְלֹא

H3808

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

מָצְא֖וּ

H4672

have found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁי

H582

and none of the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#10

חַ֣יִל

H2428

of might

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#11

יְדֵיהֶֽם׃

H3027

their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 76 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?