What does Psalms 71:13 mean?
"Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt." - Psalms 71:13

Psalm 71:13 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt."
This verse in the book of Psalms is a plea for protection and justice against the enemies of the speaker's soul. It expresses a deep desire for those who oppose, seek to harm, and bring shame to the speaker to be confounded, consumed, and covered with dishonor.
The theme of this verse is centered around the concept of divine protection and justice. The speaker is turning to God, seeking His intervention and assistance in dealing with their adversaries. This verse reflects a sense of unwavering faith in God's ability to protect and deliver His people from their enemies.
The context of Psalm 71 as a whole is one of supplication and trust in God's faithfulness. The psalmist expresses deep reliance on God's strength and protection in the face of troubles and adversaries. Throughout the psalm, there are recurring themes of God's role as a refuge, a rock, and a fortress for His people. In this verse, the speaker is calling upon God to bring judgment upon their enemies and to vindicate them in the face of unjust opposition.
The imagery used in this verse is powerful and evocative. The language of being "confounded and consumed" and "covered with reproach and dishonour" paints a picture of a swift and decisive defeat for the adversaries of the speaker. The word "confounded" implies a state of confusion and loss of direction, while "consumed" suggests a complete and utter destruction. The idea of being "covered with reproach and dishonour" speaks to the shame and disgrace that the enemies of the speaker will experience as a result of their actions.
Symbolically, this verse represents the struggle between good and evil, righteousness and wickedness. It portrays a longing for justice and vindication in the face of opposition and persecution. The imagery of adversaries being "confounded and consumed" serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of God over His enemies and the eventual triumph of righteousness.
In a broader theological sense, this verse speaks to the concept of divine judgment and retribution. It acknowledges the moral and spiritual reality that God will ultimately bring justice to those who seek to harm His people. It also reflects the psalmist's trust in God's righteous judgment and His willingness to defend and protect His faithful followers.
Overall, Psalm 71:13 is a powerful expression of faith and reliance on God's protection and justice. It serves as a reminder of God's role as a stronghold and defender of His people, as well as a testament to the psalmist's unwavering confidence in God's righteousness and faithfulness.
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Psalms 71:13 - "Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt."
"Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt." - Psalms 71:13
Psalms 71:14 - "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more."
Psalms 71:21 - "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."
Psalms 71:8 - "Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day."
Psalms 71:7 - "I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge."
Psalms 71:11 - "Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him."
Psalms 119:71 - "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
Psalms 71:9 - "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."
Psalms 71:12 - "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help."
Psalms 71:10 - "For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,"
Psalms 71:1 - "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
"O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help." - Psalms 71:12
Psalms 71:16 - "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."
Psalms 71:4 - "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man."
Psalms 71:5 - "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."
Psalms 71:2 - "Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me."
Psalms 78:71 - "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance."
"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." - Psalms 71:4
Psalms 71:15 - "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof."
Psalms 71:17 - "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
Psalms 71:23 - "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed."
Psalms 71:24 - "My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt."
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me." - Psalms 71:2
Psalms 71:19 - "Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!"
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance." - Psalms 78:71
Psalms 71:20 - "Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth."
"I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel." - Psalms 71:22