Psalms 89:43

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.

Complete Jewish Bible:

You drive back his drawn sword and fail to support him in battle.

Berean Standard Bible:

You have bent the edge of his sword and have not sustained him in battle.

American Standard Version:

Yea, thou turnest back the edge of his sword, And hast not made him to stand in the battle.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou hast also turned^{H7725}{H8686)} the edge^{H6697} of his sword^{H2719}, and hast not made him to stand^{H6965}{H8689)} in the battle^{H4421}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 89:43

Psalm 89 is a lament that reflects on the Davidic covenant, expressing distress over the apparent failure of God to uphold His promises to David. The psalm begins by celebrating God's faithfulness and the strength of His covenant with David, promising that his descendants would always reign over Israel. However, the tone shifts as the psalmist describes the current affliction of the king and the nation, questioning how long God's anger will last.

The specific verse, Psalm 89:43, is part of the lament section where the psalmist directly addresses God, accusing Him of turning against the anointed king. The verse speaks of God having "turned the edge of his sword," which implies that the king's enemies have not been subdued as expected. Instead, the sword—a symbol of the king's military power and divine protection—has been blunted or turned away, leaving the king vulnerable and unable to achieve victory in battle. This is a significant reversal of fortunes, as the Davidic kings were expected to be successful warriors, with God's support ensuring their military prowess.

The historical context of this verse likely reflects a time when the Davidic monarchy was under threat, and the king faced military defeat or weakness. This could correspond to various periods in Israel's history when the kingdom was besieged by enemies or when the monarchy was in decline, such as during the divided monarchy or the exilic period. The psalmist's cry underscores the dissonance between the perceived reality of defeat and the covenantal promises of enduring dynastic strength and security.

In summary, Psalm 89:43 expresses a poignant moment of crisis within the broader context of the psalm's exploration of God's covenant with David. It highlights the psalmist's anguish over the king's inability to prevail in battle, a situation that stands in stark contrast to the expectations set by the covenant. This verse reflects the deeper themes of theodicy, the faithfulness of God, and the tension between divine promises and human experience.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7725
   There are 952 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שׁוּב
   Transliteration: shûwb
   Pronunciation: shoob
   Description: a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again; ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6697
   There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צוּר
   Transliteration: tsûwr
   Pronunciation: tsoor
   Description: or צֻר; from צוּר; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous); edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also בֵּית צוּר.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2719
   There are 372 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֶרֶב
   Transliteration: chereb
   Pronunciation: kheh'-reb
   Description: from חָרַב; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement; axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6965
   There are 596 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוּם
   Transliteration: qûwm
   Pronunciation: koom
   Description: a primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising).
   
5. Strong's Number: H4421
   There are 308 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִלְחָמָה
   Transliteration: milchâmâh
   Pronunciation: mil-khaw-maw'
   Description: from לָחַם (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare); battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior).