Psalms 27:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 27:2 stands as a powerful declaration of divine protection and decisive intervention, recounting a past experience where the psalmist's malicious adversaries, despite their destructive intent, were divinely caused to stumble and fall. This verse serves as a historical anchor for the psalmist's profound confidence, establishing a precedent for God's unfailing deliverance in the face of overwhelming opposition and affirming the Lord's sovereign defense over His faithful.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 27 is a profound and deeply personal expression of faith, traditionally attributed to King David, and is often categorized as a psalm of trust. It is structurally divided into two complementary sections: the first ([verses 1-6](/psalms/27-1-6 "Psalm 27:1-6 - A Declaration of Trust")) expresses unwavering confidence in God's protective presence, while the second ([verses 7-14](/psalms/27-7-14 "Psalm 27:7-14 - A Plea for Continued Help")) shifts to a fervent plea for continued divine help and guidance. Verse 2 is integral to the opening declaration of trust, immediately following the psalmist's bold affirmation in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation") that "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" This verse provides concrete, experiential evidence for such profound confidence, demonstrating that the psalmist's trust is not merely theoretical but is rooted in actual, past instances of God's powerful intervention against formidable foes. It solidifies the foundation for the psalmist's desire to dwell in God's house and behold His beauty, as expressed in [Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - Dwelling in the House of the Lord"), secure in the knowledge of God as an unassailable refuge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As King David, the psalmist frequently encountered literal enemies and military threats, making the imagery of adversaries "coming upon" him highly resonant with his life. The phrase "to eat up my flesh" is a vivid, albeit metaphorical, expression of extreme hostility. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such language conveyed not only the intent of physical destruction or consumption but also the malicious desire to utterly destroy one's reputation, livelihood, or very essence through slander, false accusations, or complete annihilation. It reflects the intensity of ancient warfare and personal vendettas, where the goal was often the complete eradication of an opponent. The "stumbling and falling" of enemies was a common motif in biblical narratives and ancient battle accounts, signifying a decisive and often humiliating defeat, frequently implying divine intervention or a loss of favor. This verse likely draws from specific historical instances in David's life where God miraculously delivered him from powerful adversaries, such as during his flight from Saul or various military campaigns, reinforcing the cultural understanding of divine favor in battle and the Lord's active role in defending His anointed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 27 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, presenting God as an active, formidable defender who personally intervenes to safeguard His servant from overwhelming danger. Despite the enemies' fierce and destructive intent, God ensures their decisive defeat, illustrating that "The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name" ([Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord is a Warrior")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Overcoming Adversity**, acknowledging the reality of severe threats and malicious opposition, but simultaneously affirming the certainty of triumph through divine aid. The imagery of "stumbled and fell" signifies not merely a setback but a complete, decisive, and often divinely orchestrated failure of the aggressors, echoing God's consistent pattern of delivering His people from impossible situations, as seen in the defeat of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27-28 "Exodus 14:27-28 - Pharaoh's Army Drowned")). Lastly, the verse powerfully illustrates **God's Sovereignty** over all circumstances, even the most malicious intentions of the wicked. It demonstrates His ultimate control and ability to turn the tide in favor of His faithful, ensuring that the plans of the wicked ultimately come to naught, a truth consistently affirmed throughout Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps") which states, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râʻaʻ'_):** From the root H7489, this term denotes individuals who are morally corrupt, unrighteous, and actively hostile towards God and His people. It implies not merely a momentary lapse but a settled disposition of rebellion against divine order, often manifesting in deliberate malice and opposition. Their actions are characterized by intentional evil, making their defeat a clear demonstration of divine justice and the ultimate futility of opposing God's chosen.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, this word literally means "flesh" (from its freshness) and by extension, "body" or "person." In the context of "to eat up my flesh," it highlights the enemies' desire for total destruction, not just of the psalmist's physical being but of his very essence, reputation, or livelihood. It signifies a desire for complete annihilation, leaving nothing of the person intact.
* **Stumbled (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** From the primitive root H3782, meaning "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall." This term vividly portrays a sudden and decisive loss of footing, strength, or strategic advantage. It suggests an unexpected and humiliating collapse, indicating that the aggressors were not merely repelled but utterly incapacitated, often implying a divine hand in their downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me":** This clause sets the scene for a past, intense confrontation. The repetition of "wicked," "enemies," and "foes" emphasizes the numerous, morally corrupt, and aggressively hostile nature of the opposition. "Came upon me" suggests a direct, sudden, and overwhelming assault, indicating the psalmist was under severe threat from a determined and malicious force.
* **"to eat up my flesh":** This powerful and visceral metaphor reveals the extreme and destructive intent of the adversaries. It is not literal cannibalism, but rather a hyperbolic expression of their desire for the complete consumption, destruction, or annihilation of the psalmist's being, reputation, livelihood, or very life. It underscores the severity of the threat and the profound depth of their malice, aiming for total ruin.
* **"they stumbled and fell":** This final clause presents the dramatic and decisive outcome, a sudden and unexpected reversal of fortune for the aggressors. Despite their fierce intent and aggressive advance, they were utterly defeated. "Stumbled" implies a loss of balance or footing, while "fell" signifies a complete, irreversible collapse. This outcome is implicitly attributed not to the psalmist's own strength but to divine intervention, demonstrating God's protective power and sovereign control over the outcome of conflicts, ensuring the thwarting of evil plans.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 27:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine protection and the decisive defeat of adversaries. The most striking is **Metaphor** in the phrase "to eat up my flesh," which vividly portrays the enemies' destructive intent without implying literal cannibalism. This imagery evokes a sense of utter consumption and annihilation, highlighting the extreme nature of the threat the psalmist faced. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the grouping of "wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes," which amplifies the sense of overwhelming opposition and reinforces the comprehensive identity of the aggressors. **Imagery** is powerfully used with "stumbled and fell," creating a striking visual of sudden, decisive defeat and humiliation for the enemies, often suggesting a divinely orchestrated collapse. This vivid imagery contrasts sharply with the initial aggressive advance, emphasizing the unexpected and complete reversal of fortunes. The verse also contains an element of **Antithesis**, contrasting the enemies' aggressive "coming upon" with their ultimate "stumbling and falling," underscoring the triumph of divine protection over human malice and the futility of opposing God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 27:2 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth of God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in times of grave danger. It speaks to the character of God as a faithful Defender, who not only sees the malicious intentions of the wicked but actively intervenes to thwart their plans. This verse grounds the believer's confidence not in their own strength or strategic prowess, but in the Lord's omnipotence and unwavering commitment to those who trust in Him. It's a powerful reminder that while opposition and spiritual warfare are real, the ultimate victory belongs to God, and those who align themselves with His purposes will ultimately see their adversaries brought to naught. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, assuring believers that divine protection is a constant reality for those who seek refuge in the Almighty.

* [Psalm 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - God Smite Enemies")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table Before Enemies")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 27:2 offers profound encouragement for contemporary believers navigating a world filled with various forms of "enemies" and opposition. Whether facing spiritual attacks, slander, professional sabotage, relational betrayals, or the insidious forces of evil in society, this verse reminds us that God remains our ultimate defender. It calls us to cultivate a confident trust in His sovereign power, knowing that even when threats seem overwhelming and intent on our destruction, God is capable of turning the tide. Our response should not be fear or despair, but a steadfast reliance on His faithfulness, remembering past deliverances and believing that He will continue to act on our behalf. This verse fosters a spirit of courage and peace, empowering us to stand firm in faith, knowing that our battles are ultimately the Lord's, and He will ensure the triumph of His faithful, causing those who rise against us to "stumble and fall."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or forms of opposition are you currently facing that feel overwhelming or intent on your destruction?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's protective hand in your past, causing your adversaries or challenges to "stumble and fall"?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, as the psalmist does, strengthen your trust and confidence for present and future challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to lean more fully into God's protection rather than relying on your own strength or strategies?**

### FAQ
**Does "eat up my flesh" imply literal cannibalism or physical harm?**

Answer: No, "to eat up my flesh" (Hebrew: *le'ekol et besari'*) is a powerful and vivid metaphor, not meant to be taken literally as cannibalism. In ancient Hebrew idiom, this phrase signifies the extreme malicious intent of enemies to utterly destroy or consume one's life, reputation, livelihood, or very being. It conveys the depth of hatred and the desire for total ruin, whether through slander, false accusations, or complete physical annihilation. It is a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the severity of the threat and the destructive aims of the adversaries, as seen in similar expressions like "devouring" a person's house or substance in [Matthew 23:14](/matthew/23-14 "Matthew 23:14 - Devouring Widows' Houses").

**Does this verse guarantee that believers will never suffer or face hardship?**

Answer: This verse does not promise an absence of suffering or hardship, but rather assures divine protection *within* and *through* such trials. The psalmist explicitly states that "the wicked... came upon me," indicating that the threat was real and imminent. The guarantee is not immunity from confrontation, but rather the certainty of God's intervention and the ultimate defeat of the adversaries' destructive plans. Believers are promised God's presence and strength *in* the midst of their struggles, and that ultimately, "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). The "stumbling and falling" signifies God's sovereign control over the outcome, ensuring that evil will not ultimately triumph over His purposes or His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 27:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David experienced God's protection from earthly enemies, Jesus faced the ultimate "wicked, [even] His enemies and foes" in the spiritual realm—Satan, sin, and death. The forces of darkness "came upon" Him, seeking to "eat up His flesh" through betrayal, false accusations, and crucifixion, aiming for His complete destruction and the thwarting of God's redemptive plan. Yet, at the cross and through the resurrection, these ultimate adversaries "stumbled and fell." Christ's death was not their victory but their decisive defeat, as He disarmed "principalities and powers" and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate proof that the grave could not hold Him, and death's sting was removed ([1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - O Death, Where Is Your Sting?")). For believers, this means that the same power that caused Christ's enemies to stumble and fall now works on our behalf. We are united with Him, and through Him, we share in His victory over sin, death, and all spiritual opposition. The protection promised in Psalm 27:2 is realized in Christ, who promises that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Ultimately, at His second coming, every knee will bow and every tongue confess, and all remaining enemies will definitively "stumble and fall" before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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.

Cross-References

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.