Psalms 89:43
Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
Original Language Analysis
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
1 of 7
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
תָּ֭שִׁיב
Thou hast also turned
H7725
תָּ֭שִׁיב
Thou hast also turned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
צ֣וּר
the edge
H6697
צ֣וּר
the edge
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
of his sword
H2719
חַרְבּ֑וֹ
of his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 7
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Judah's final kings (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) couldn't withstand Babylon despite military resistance. 2 Kings 24-25 chronicles futile defense. Zedekiah's rebellion failed catastrophically—his sons were slaughtered before his eyes, then his eyes were gouged out (2 Kings 25:7). The king couldn't "stand" because God had withdrawn enabling power. This fulfilled the covenant curse: "The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies" (Deuteronomy 28:25).
Questions for Reflection
- When has your "sword" (abilities, efforts, strategies) been ineffective despite your best efforts? Did you recognize God's hand in the failure?
- How does this verse challenge any confidence in human strength apart from God's enablement?
- How is Christ's sword (the Word of God, Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:15) different from all earthly weapons that can be turned back?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword (תָּשִׁיב צוּר חַרְבּוֹ tashiv tzur charbo)—tzur (edge/blade) is turned back (shub, reversed), making the weapon ineffective. The king's sword, meant to execute God's justice, is blunted. And hast not made him to stand in the battle (וְלֹא הֲקֵימֹתוֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָה velo haqimoto bamilchamah)—God withheld the strength to stand firm (qum, stand, endure) in combat.
Divine warrior imagery pervades the Old Testament; Israel's king fought YHWH's battles (1 Samuel 18:17). But here God ensures defeat. The theological point: military strength means nothing without divine enablement. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). When God withdraws support, no weapon prevails. Conversely, Christ's sword—the Word proceeding from His mouth (Revelation 19:15)—never turns back empty (Isaiah 55:11). His victory in spiritual battle is absolute.