Psalms 86:14
O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
קָֽמוּ
are risen
H6965
קָֽמוּ
are risen
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
3 of 11
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עָלַ֗י
H5921
עָלַ֗י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַעֲדַ֣ת
against me and the assemblies
H5712
וַעֲדַ֣ת
against me and the assemblies
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
5 of 11
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ
men have sought
H1245
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ
men have sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
7 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַפְשִׁ֑י
after my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
after my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְלֹ֖א
H3808
וְלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Throughout David's life, enemies conspired—Saul and his court, Absalom and his followers, surrounding nations. Many operated without fear of God. The "assemblies" suggests organized opposition, not random attacks. This pattern continues wherever the church faces organized persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when opponents act as if God doesn't exist or won't hold them accountable?
- What does it mean to "set God before you" in practical, daily terms?
- How does recognizing your enemies' godlessness help you pray for them rather than merely condemn them?
Analysis & Commentary
O God, the proud are risen against me (אֱלֹהִים זֵדִים קָמוּ־עָלַי, Elohim zedim kamu-alai)—Zedim means proud, arrogant, insolent ones; kamu means they have risen up. And the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul (וַעֲדַת עָרִיצִים בִּקְשׁוּ נַפְשִׁי, va-adat aritzim bikshu nafshi)—Adat means assembly, group, company; aritzim means violent, ruthless, terrifying ones. And have not set thee before them (וְלֹא שָׂמוּךָ לְנֶגְדָּם, ve-lo samukha le-negdam)—They haven't placed God before their eyes; they act as if God doesn't exist or matter.
After praising God's mercy (vv. 12-13), David returns to describing his enemies. The problem isn't just their violence but their godlessness—they have not set thee before them. This is practical atheism: living as if God won't judge. Psalm 10:4, 14:1, and 36:1 describe similar attitudes. Their very godlessness emboldens their violence.