Who are these "strange children" that David prays to be delivered from?

The Hebrew phrase for "strange children" is *b'nei nekâr* (בְּנֵי נֵכָר), which literally translates to "sons of the foreigner" or "sons of the alien." While it can refer to ethnic foreigners or enemies of Israel, in a broader sense, it often signifies those who are estranged from the covenant community and its values. They are "strange" not merely by nationality, but by their character and actions—they are hostile, untrustworthy, and operate outside the moral and spiritual framework of God's truth. This can include internal adversaries who have adopted foreign ways or displayed disloyalty, acting as spiritual "aliens" to God's ways.

What does it mean for a mouth to "speaketh vanity"?

The word "vanity" here is from the Hebrew *shâvᵉʼ* (שָׁוְא), which carries a strong connotation of emptiness, worthlessness, deception, and falsehood. It's the same word used in the commandment not to take God's name "in vain" (Exodus 20:7). Therefore, a mouth that "speaketh vanity" is one that utters words that are meaningless, deceitful, or ultimately destructive. These are not just idle words, but words designed to mislead, to create false impressions, or to betray. It speaks to a character that lacks integrity and uses speech as a tool for manipulation or harm, similar to the deceptive flattery described in Psalm 12:2.

Why is the "right hand" mentioned specifically as being a "right hand of falsehood"?

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "right hand" was highly symbolic. It represented strength, power, authority, and was commonly used when making solemn oaths, covenants, or pledges. For example, people would often raise their right hand when swearing an oath or extend it to seal an agreement. To say that someone's "right hand is a right hand of falsehood" (Hebrew: *sheqer*) is a profound indictment. It means that their promises are empty, their agreements are treacherous, and their actions are inherently deceptive. Even when they appear to offer a pledge or a sign of goodwill, it is tainted by deceit. It signifies a complete lack of trustworthiness in both their words and their deeds.

144:10 144:10

Psalms 144:11

144:12 144:12

Bible Versions

Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood:

Rid {H6475} me, and deliver {H5337} me from the hand {H3027} of strange {H5236} children {H1121}, whose mouth {H6310} speaketh {H1696} vanity {H7723}, and their right hand {H3225} is a right hand {H3225} of falsehood {H8267}:

Rescue me, save me from the power of strangers, whose mouths speak worthless words and whose right hands swear false oaths.

Set me free and rescue me from the grasp of foreigners, whose mouths speak falsehood, whose right hands are deceitful.

Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hand of aliens, Whose mouth speaketh deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Psalms 144:7

Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;
Psalms 144:8

Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood.
Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?
Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.
2 Samuel 17:1

¶ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2 Samuel 17:14

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite [is] better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
2 Samuel 16:5

¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

Bible Versions

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