Psalms 139:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 139:21
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Chapter Context
Psalms 139 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, righteousness, hope. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 139:21
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Analysis
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? David's rhetorical questions demand assent: loving God requires hating His enemies. Hate (שָׂנֵא, sane) is strong language, but it's directed at those who hate God—not personal enemies but enemies of righteousness. Grieved (אֶתְקוֹטָט, etqotat, from קוּט, qut) means to loathe, feel disgust, be weary with—moral revulsion at evil.
Those that rise up against thee (תְּקוֹמְמֶיךָ, teqomemecha) are active rebels, insurgents against divine authority. This verse reflects biblical 'holy hatred'—not personal malice but alignment with God's moral judgments. Revelation 2:6 praises the Ephesian church: 'you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.' Love for God produces corresponding opposition to what opposes God. David's question form shows this isn't optional for those who know God intimately.
Historical Context
David faced enemies who were simultaneously political and theological threats—they opposed God's anointed king and thus God's plan. The concept of 'holy hatred' appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 97:10, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9). Jesus expressed fierce anger at those who profaned the temple (John 2:13-17) and defiled God's sheep (Matthew 23).
Reflection
- How do you distinguish between hating God's enemies (their rebellion) and hating people personally?
- What things that God hates have you learned to tolerate or even embrace in contemporary culture?
- How does Jesus's command to love enemies integrate with David's call to hate those who hate God?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 15:4, 31:6, 2 Chronicles 19:2, Jeremiah 13:17
- Parallel theme: Psalms 26:5, 119:136, 119:158, Mark 3:5, Revelation 2:2, 2:6