Psalms 89:43

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

תָּ֭שִׁיב

H7725

Thou hast also turned

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

צ֣וּר

H6697

the edge

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

חַרְבּ֑וֹ

H2719

of his sword

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

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

הֲ֝קֵימֹת֗וֹ

H6965

and hast not made him to stand

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃

H4421

in the battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?