Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

When the wicked {H7489}, even mine enemies {H6862} and my foes {H341}, came {H7126} upon me to eat up {H398} my flesh {H1320}, they stumbled {H3782} and fell {H5307}.

When evildoers assailed me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and foes, they stumbled and fell.

When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.

Psalms 27:2 vividly illustrates the protective power of God in the face of overwhelming opposition, reassuring the psalmist of divine deliverance.

Context

Psalm 27 is a profound declaration of faith and confidence in God, attributed to King David. It is often divided into two parts: a confident affirmation of trust in God's protection (verses 1-6) and a plea for continued guidance and help (verses 7-14). Verse 2 falls within the initial declaration of trust, following David's bold statement that the Lord is his light and salvation (Psalm 27:1). This verse grounds that confidence in a specific past experience of divine intervention against formidable foes, setting the stage for the unwavering hope expressed throughout the psalm.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: The verse powerfully conveys God's active intervention to safeguard His servant. Despite the enemies' fierce intent, God ensures their defeat.
  • Overcoming Adversity: It speaks to the reality of severe threats but also the certainty of overcoming them through divine aid. The "stumbled and fell" imagery signifies a complete and decisive failure of the aggressors.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, this verse highlights God's ultimate control over all circumstances, even the malicious intentions of the wicked, demonstrating His ability to turn the tide in favor of His faithful.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "to eat up my flesh" (Hebrew: le'ekol et besari) is a powerful, vivid metaphor. It does not imply literal cannibalism, but rather signifies utter destruction, consumption, or malicious accusation designed to ruin one's reputation, livelihood, or very being. It conveys the extreme hatred and destructive intent of the enemies, seeking to completely annihilate the psalmist.
  • "They stumbled and fell" (Hebrew: kashlu v'naphalu) implies not just a minor setback but a decisive, perhaps divinely orchestrated, collapse. It suggests their plans were thwarted, their strength failed, and their aggression was brought to an abrupt and humiliating end, often implying a supernatural element in their downfall.

Related Scriptures

This verse reinforces the theme of God's steadfast protection found throughout the Psalms. It echoes themes where God smites the enemies of His people or prepares a table before them in the presence of their adversaries. It serves as a reminder that if God is for us, who can be against us?

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 27:2 offers immense encouragement when facing various forms of "enemies"—whether spiritual attacks, slander, opposition, or personal challenges. It reminds us that even when threats seem overwhelming and intent on our destruction, God is our ultimate defender. Our role is to trust in His sovereignty and protection, knowing that those who rise against us, if God is on our side, will ultimately "stumble and fall." This verse fosters a spirit of confidence and peace, knowing that our battles are ultimately the Lord's, and He will ensure the triumph of His faithful.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 14:4

    ¶ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

  • Psalms 118:12

    They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

  • Isaiah 8:15

    And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

  • Psalms 9:3

    When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.

  • Job 19:22

    Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

  • Psalms 3:7

    Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

  • Psalms 22:16

    For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

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