Psalms 139:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 139:19
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
Chapter Context
Psalms 139 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, mercy, holiness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 139:19
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
Analysis
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. The psalm's tone shifts dramatically from wonder to indignation. Slay (תִּקְטֹל, tiqtol, from קָטַל, qatal) is a strong term for violent death—David calls for divine judgment, not personal vengeance. The wicked (רְשָׁעִים, resha'im) are not just sinners generally but God's enemies specifically, those who oppose His righteous rule.
Bloody men (אַנְשֵׁי דָמִים, anshei damim) literally means 'men of bloods'—those guilty of violence and murder. David's prayer reflects the imprecatory psalms tradition: those who align with God must oppose His enemies. This isn't personal vindictiveness but holy jealousy for God's honor. The imperative depart from me shows David's refusal to compromise with wickedness—knowing God intimately (vv. 1-18) produces moral clarity and separation.
Historical Context
Written during a period of conflict (possibly Absalom's rebellion or Saul's persecution), David faced real 'bloody men' seeking his life. Imprecatory psalms (35, 69, 109, 137, 139) were prayers for God's justice, not private revenge. Jesus quotes Psalm 109 (Acts 1:20), and Revelation depicts final judgment on God's enemies.
Reflection
- How do you reconcile David's prayer for God to slay the wicked with Jesus's command to love enemies?
- In what ways are you tempted to tolerate or compromise with 'bloody men'—those whose values violently oppose God's?
- What is the difference between personal vindictiveness and holy desire for God's justice?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H433 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 64:7
- Blood: Psalms 5:6, 55:23
- Evil: Psalms 9:17, 94:23, 119:115, Isaiah 11:4, Matthew 25:41
- Parallel theme: Psalms 6:8, 2 Corinthians 6:17