Psalms 59:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 59:7
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
Chapter Context
Psalms 59 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, righteousness, grace. 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 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 59:7
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
Analysis
The enemies' verbal assaults ('belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips') reveal that slander wounds like weapons. The Hebrew 'naba' (belch/pour forth) suggests uncontrolled verbal violence. Their rhetorical question 'who doth hear?' indicates practical atheism—assuming no accountability. This anticipates James's teaching on the tongue's deadly power (James 3:5-8).
Historical Context
Slander was a primary weapon in ancient Near Eastern politics and warfare. Saul's defamation of David (implied in the narrative) turned public opinion and justified persecution, showing how words can be as deadly as swords.
Reflection
- How does verbal assault function as spiritual warfare?
- What does the wicked's assumption that 'none hears' reveal about the importance of God's omniscience?
Cross-References
- Word: Psalms 57:4, Proverbs 12:18
- Parallel theme: Psalms 10:11, 73:11, Proverbs 15:2