Psalms 71:13

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Psalms 71:1 Psalms 71:2 Psalms 71:3 Psalms 71:4 Psalms 71:5 Psalms 71:6 Psalms 71:7 Psalms 71:8 Psalms 71:9 Psalms 71:10 Psalms 71:11 Psalms 71:12 Psalms 71:13 Psalms 71:14 Psalms 71:15 Psalms 71:16 Psalms 71:17 Psalms 71:18 Psalms 71:19 Psalms 71:20 Psalms 71:21 Psalms 71:22 Psalms 71:23 Psalms 71:24

Psalms 71:13 KJV

Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

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Psalms 71:13 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Psalm 71:13

Verse Context: Psalm 71 is attributed to David and reflects his deep reliance on God during times of trouble. Verse 13 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."

Exegesis and Thematic Insights

This Psalm is a profound expression of faith and trust in God through difficulty, highlighting themes of deliverance, protection, and vindication. The verse under scrutiny pertains to David’s appeal for God’s judgment upon his enemies, which opens up discussions on the nature of imprecation in prayer.

Meditation on the Verse

David, facing adversaries, appeals for divine intervention. This is not merely a cry for vengeance; it underscores a profound reliance on God’s justice. The focus is on God’s ability to confound and consume those seeking harm. The concept of 'confounding' implies a distress causing confusion and disarray among the adversaries. Adam Clarke elucidates that it signifies the disruption of their strategies against the faithful.

The Justice of God

Theologians like Albert Barnes emphasize the relational aspect of God's justice. The prayer against the enemies invokes God's nature as a just judge, highlighting the assurance that righteousness ultimately prevails. Those who oppose God’s will—evident in their persecution of the faithful—are said to place themselves under divine wrath.

  • Reflection on Righteousness: As David calls for confusion upon his enemies, it serves as a reminder of God’s protective nature over His people, supporting the theological premise that God fights on behalf of the righteous.
  • Understanding Reproach: The terms 'reproach and dishonour' signal the weight of shame that God places on the adversaries. Matthew Henry comments that dishonour is both a punishment for the wicked but also a form of divine vindication for the psalmist.
  • Divine Intervention: The plea holds a dual aspect of personal longing for safety and communal entreaty for justice. It further emphasizes that the struggles faced are not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces at work.

Pastoral Applications

For pastors, this Psalm offers a rich tapestry for counsel with congregants who may feel attacked or marginalized. It provides a framework for prayer that seeks not only personal relief but also prays for God's ultimate justice.

  • Invitation to Trust: Encourage congregants to bring their adversarial struggles to God, knowing that He is aware of their pain and is a defender of their cause.
  • Assertion of Faith: This passage can reinforce the belief that God sees the injustices of the world and is capable of setting things right. Building a sermon around this can galvanize the community to trust in His timing.
  • Modeling Forgiveness: While David expresses a yearning for justice, pastoral care can guide the process of healing by emphasizing forgiveness and the call to love one’s enemies, rooted in New Testament theology.

Scholarly Reflections

The verse serves as a crucial benchmark for theological examination of imprecatory prayer. Scholars must grapple with how to reconcile the Christian call to love and bless one’s enemies with the stark cries of divine justice seen in this Psalm. The call for God to confound one’s enemies provides a necessary conversation on the balance of justice and mercy.

  • Imprecatory Prayer: The tradition of seeking God’s direct intervention against evil can be unpacked further in light of Christ's teachings on forgiveness. Understanding the heart behind such prayers is paramount.
  • Historical Context Commentary: Engaging with the historical backdrop of Israel’s enemies during David’s reign enriches the understanding of the urgency and intensity of these petitions.
  • The Role of Lament: This psalm illustrates the place of lament in biblical prayer, a necessary component of authentic worship where believers bring their fears and frustrations before God.

Conclusion

Psalm 71:13 draws believers into a deeper understanding of God as protector and avenger. It invites reflection on the nature of justice in the face of adversity, underscoring a relationship with God rooted in faith and trust. As both a personal and communal prayer, this verse can guide believers through the wilderness of life, reminding them that God is at work even when they cannot see. The assurance that God knows the heart of the righteous and will defend His people against those that plot harm is a central pillar in understanding this rich text.

Psalms 71 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 71:1 Psalms 71:2 Psalms 71:3 Psalms 71:4 Psalms 71:5 Psalms 71:6 Psalms 71:7 Psalms 71:8 Psalms 71:9 Psalms 71:10 Psalms 71:11 Psalms 71:12 Psalms 71:13 Psalms 71:14 Psalms 71:15 Psalms 71:16 Psalms 71:17 Psalms 71:18 Psalms 71:19 Psalms 71:20 Psalms 71:21 Psalms 71:22 Psalms 71:23 Psalms 71:24

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