What does Psalms 59:7 mean?
"Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?" - Psalms 59:7
The King James Version (KJV) of Psalms 59:7 states, "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?" This verse is taken from a psalm attributed to King David, who wrote it as a prayer for deliverance from his enemies. The verse depicts the malicious speech and intentions of David's enemies, who are described metaphorically as belching out with their mouth and having swords in their lips.
The theme of this verse is the danger of malicious speech and the harm it can cause. The imagery of "belching out with their mouth" and "swords in their lips" conveys the idea of the enemies' words being like weapons, used to harm and destroy. This theme of harmful speech is a prevalent one throughout the book of Psalms, as well as in other wisdom literature in the Bible. Proverbs 18:21 in the KJV states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof," emphasizing the power of words to bring either life or death.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, David describes the violent and deceitful actions of his enemies, who are seeking to kill him. He expresses his trust in God as his protector and deliverer, and he calls upon God to judge the wicked and bring them to justice. This verse reflects David's distress at the words and intentions of his enemies, as he perceives their speech to be as dangerous and destructive as swords.
The symbolism in this verse is striking, as it depicts the enemies' words as actual weapons. The imagery of "swords in their lips" highlights the power of speech to inflict harm and depicts the enemies' intentions as violent and deadly. This imagery is a powerful reminder of the impact of words and the responsibility that comes with using them. It serves as a caution against speaking deceitfully, maliciously, or violently, as words have the power to bring harm and destruction.
The verse also raises a rhetorical question: "for who, say they, doth hear?" This question may reflect the enemies' arrogance and belief that their words and actions will go unnoticed or unpunished. It may also convey a sense of hopelessness or despair, as David confronts the reality of facing enemies who are bent on his destruction and who believe they can act with impunity.
Overall, Psalms 59:7 in the KJV offers a poignant reflection on the power and impact of words. It serves as a warning against using speech to harm or deceive, and it emphasizes the need for integrity, honesty, and kindness in our interactions with others. In the context of the psalm as a whole, it also speaks to the trust and reliance on God as a source of deliverance and justice in the face of enemies and adversity.
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Psalms 59:7 - "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?"
"Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?" - Psalms 59:7
Psalms 59:9 - "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence."
Psalms 59:14 - "And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."
"When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:" - Psalms 78:59
Psalms 78:59 - "When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:"
Psalms 59:15 - "Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied."
Psalms 59:4 - "They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold."
Psalms 59:6 - "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city."
Psalms 59:2 - "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men."
Psalms 119:59 - "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."
"They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold." - Psalms 59:4
Psalms 59:8 - "But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."
Psalms 59:12 - "For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak."
Psalms 59:17 - "Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy."
Psalms 20 7
Psalms 59:10 - "The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies."
Psalms 59:13 - "Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah."
Psalms 59:1 - "Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me."
Psalms 59:3 - "For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD."
Psalms 59:11 - "Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield."
Psalms 59:5 - "Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah."
"Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied." - Psalms 59:15
"Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield." - Psalms 59:11
"The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies." - Psalms 59:10
"Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." - Psalms 59:17
Psalms 59:16 - "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."
"Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah." - Psalms 59:5
"Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence." - Psalms 59:9
"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." - Psalms 119:59