Psalms 59:7

Commentary on Psalms 59:7

Psalms 59:7 KJV: "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords [are] in their lips: for who, [say they], doth hear?"

Context

Psalms 59 is a fervent prayer of David, composed "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him." This superscription directly links the psalm to a specific, life-threatening period in David's life, as described in 1 Samuel 19:11. Surrounded by relentless enemies who sought his destruction, David vividly describes their character and actions. Verse 7 specifically paints a picture of their unrestrained, malicious speech, highlighting their arrogance and perceived impunity.

Key Themes

• Unrestrained Malice: The phrase "they belch out with their mouth" uses a crude, vivid image to convey the offensive and uncontrolled nature of their speech. It suggests a torrent of venomous words, uttered without restraint or regard for propriety. This highlights the sheer volume and aggressive intent behind their verbal assaults against David.
• Destructive Words: "Swords are in their lips" is a powerful metaphor, equating their words directly to weapons. Their speech is not merely offensive but actively hostile and destructive, designed to wound, slander, or threaten David's life and reputation. This emphasizes the deadly power of the tongue when used for evil.
• Arrogant Impunity: The rhetorical question, "for who, [say they], doth hear?" reveals the core of their defiance. These enemies act with a brazen confidence, believing that their wicked words and deeds go unnoticed or unpunished by any authority, human or divine. This reflects a profound godlessness and a disregard for accountability, which is a recurring theme when describing the wicked in the Psalms.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "belch out" is nava (נָבַע), which means to gush forth, bubble up, or pour out. It conveys the idea of an uncontrolled, overflowing stream of words, reinforcing the sense of their unrestrained malice. The term "swords" (חֲרָבוֹת, charavot) is literal, yet here used metaphorically to emphasize the cutting, wounding nature of their speech. The phrase "who doth hear?" (מִי שֹׁמֵעַ, mi shomea) is a direct challenge, expressing their disbelief that anyone, especially God, is listening or will hold them accountable.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive potential of the tongue. It encourages us to:

• Guard Our Words: Just as the enemies' words were like swords, our own speech can inflict great harm or bring great blessing (James 3:6). We are called to use our words to build up, not to tear down.
• Trust God's Omniscience: When faced with slander or verbal attacks, we can find comfort in the truth that God hears and sees all. Unlike the enemies' arrogant belief that no one hears, the Bible assures us that God is always attentive to the cries of the righteous and the defiance of the wicked (Psalms 34:15).
• Recognize Spiritual Warfare: David's experience highlights that verbal attacks can be part of a larger spiritual battle. Understanding the malicious intent behind such words helps us to pray for deliverance and to trust in God's ultimate justice.