Psalms 9:19

Authorized King James Version

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Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

Original Language Analysis

קוּמָ֣ה Arise H6965
קוּמָ֣ה Arise
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 1 of 9
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יְ֭הוָה O LORD H3068
יְ֭הוָה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 3 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יָעֹ֣ז prevail H5810
יָעֹ֣ז prevail
Strong's: H5810
Word #: 4 of 9
to be stout (literally or figuratively)
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ H376
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ
Strong's: H376
Word #: 5 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשָּׁפְט֥וּ be judged H8199
יִשָּׁפְט֥וּ be judged
Strong's: H8199
Word #: 6 of 9
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
ג֝וֹיִ֗ם let the heathen H1471
ג֝וֹיִ֗ם let the heathen
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 7 of 9
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנֶֽיךָ׃ in thy sight H6440
פָּנֶֽיךָ׃ in thy sight
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 9 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis & Commentary

The Hebrew 'enosh' (mortal man) emphasizes human frailty in contrast to God's sovereignty. David's prayer reflects the Reformed understanding that human autonomy is rebellion—man must not 'prevail' in his own strength. This anticipates Christ's teaching that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Historical Context

Written in context of military threats where human armies sought dominance. The prayer asks God to assert His authority over earthly powers.

Questions for Reflection