Psalms 62:3

KJV

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence.

KJV (with Strong's)

How long will ye imagine mischief {H2050}{H8779)} against a man {H376}? ye shall be slain {H7523}{H8792)} all of you: as a bowing {H5186}{H8803)} wall {H7023} shall ye be, and as a tottering {H1760}{H8803)} fence {H1447}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How long will you assail a person in order to murder him, all of you, as if he were a sagging wall or a shaky fence?

Berean Standard Bible

How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence?

American Standard Version

How long will ye set upon a man, That ye may slay him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:3 is a poignant declaration by King David, expressing both a lament over the persistent malicious schemes of his adversaries and a confident prophetic pronouncement of their inevitable downfall. Through vivid architectural metaphors, the verse contrasts the apparent strength and cunning of the wicked with their inherent instability, asserting that their destructive plots will ultimately lead to their own ruin, while God's justice prevails.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 62:3 stands as a pivotal verse within a psalm that powerfully articulates David's unwavering trust in God amidst intense opposition. The psalm opens with David's resolute declaration, "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation" ([Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalms 62:1 - David's Trust in God Alone")). This foundational trust is reiterated throughout, notably in [Psalms 62:5-7](/psalms/62-5 "Psalms 62:5-7 - My Soul, Wait Only Upon God"), creating a stark contrast with the instability of his enemies described in verse 3. The psalm alternates between expressions of David's steadfast faith and his observations of the treachery around him, culminating in a call for the people to trust in God at all times ([Psalms 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalms 62:8 - Trust in Him at All Times")). Verse 3 specifically addresses the futility of the enemies' efforts, setting the stage for the psalm's later affirmations of God's power and justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalm 62 likely reflects a period of significant personal and political turmoil in his life. David, as king, frequently faced conspiracies, betrayals, and military threats, even from within his own household (e.g., Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). The "mischief" imagined against him would have encompassed political intrigue, slander, and active attempts to undermine his reign or even take his life. The imagery of a "bowing wall" and "tottering fence" would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience familiar with the construction and maintenance of city walls, defensive structures, and property boundaries. A wall that was "bowing" (leaning) or a fence that was "tottering" (loose, shaking) represented imminent collapse and vulnerability, a common sight in a world where structures were built by hand and subject to wear, weather, and attack.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Malice and Opposition to God's Anointed**. Despite the persistent plotting of David's enemies, their efforts are depicted as inherently unstable and ultimately self-destructive, destined to collapse. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**. David's declaration "ye shall be slain all of you" is not merely a personal curse but a prophetic pronouncement of God's inevitable judgment against those who oppose righteousness. This contrasts sharply with God's steadfastness as a "rock" and "fortress" ([Psalms 62:2](/psalms/62-2 "Psalms 62:2 - God My Rock and Salvation")), emphasizing the **Stability of God vs. the Instability of the Wicked**. Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **Trust in God's Sovereignty**, as David's confidence in the enemies' downfall stems from his reliance on God's power to intervene and establish justice, rather than his own strength or cunning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Imagine mischief (Hebrew: הָמָה, _hāmâ_):** This verb signifies a tumultuous, noisy, or agitated plotting. It's not merely passive ill-will but an active, often restless, and conspiring intent to cause harm or destruction. The word conveys a sense of internal agitation that drives outward malicious action, suggesting a restless, unstable foundation for their schemes.
* **Bowing wall (Hebrew: קִיר נָטוּי, _qîr nāṭûy_):** This phrase describes a wall that is leaning, bulging, or already giving way. It implies an inherent structural defect or external pressure that has already compromised its integrity. The imagery is one of instability that is already manifest, not merely potential.
* **Tottering fence (Hebrew: גָּדֵר הַדְּחוּיָה, _gādēr haddĕḥûyâ_):** A fence that is "tottering" is one that is pushed over, loose, or easily moved. While a wall suggests a more substantial structure, a fence is typically less robust. This simile reinforces the idea of extreme vulnerability and imminent collapse, easily overthrown by even a slight force.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long will ye imagine mischief against a man?"**: This is a rhetorical question, expressing David's exasperation and also implying the futility and limited lifespan of their malicious plotting. It challenges the persistence of their evil intentions, suggesting that such efforts are unsustainable and ultimately pointless. The "man" refers to David himself, God's anointed, against whom their schemes are directed.
* **"ye shall be slain all of you:"**: This is a direct prophetic declaration of judgment. "Slain" (Hebrew: הָרַג, _hārag_) can mean to kill, but in this context, it broadly signifies utter destruction, ruin, or being brought to nothing. It's a statement of divine retribution, asserting that their own evil will boomerang back upon them, leading to their complete undoing.
* **"as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence."**: This powerful double simile illustrates the inherent weakness and impending collapse of David's adversaries. Despite any apparent strength or cunning in their plotting, their foundation is unstable. They are not merely *like* a wall or fence that *will* fall, but already *are* in a state of falling, leaning, and about to give way, contrasting sharply with the unshakeable nature of God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 62:3 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The opening phrase, "How long will ye imagine mischief against a man?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking an answer but emphasizing the weariness of the speaker and the ultimate futility of the adversaries' actions. The core of the verse relies on a double **Simile**: "as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence." These vivid comparisons draw upon common architectural imagery to illustrate the inherent instability, weakness, and impending collapse of the wicked. The use of two similar images (wall and fence) amplifies the message of vulnerability and reinforces the certainty of their downfall. The declaration "ye shall be slain all of you" serves as a **Prophetic Pronouncement**, a declaration of divine judgment rather than a mere wish. Underlying the entire verse is a strong **Contrast** between the malicious, unstable nature of the enemies and the implied steadfastness and security of David, who trusts in God (as established in the surrounding verses).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:3 profoundly speaks to the nature of evil and divine justice. It asserts that schemes born of malice, no matter how cunningly devised or persistently pursued, carry within them the seeds of their own destruction. God, who is just and sovereign, will not allow unrighteousness to prevail indefinitely. The imagery of collapsing structures serves as a powerful theological metaphor for the ultimate instability of any system, power, or individual that stands in opposition to God's will and His anointed. This verse reassures believers that while evil may rage for a season, its end is certain collapse, and God will ultimately vindicate His people and establish His righteous reign.

* [Proverbs 10:29](/proverbs/10-29 "Proverbs 10:29 - The Way of the Lord is Strength to the Upright")
* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers")
* [Isaiah 2:15](/isaiah/2-15 "Isaiah 2:15 - Every High Wall Will Be Brought Low")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For those who find themselves targets of unjust criticism, malicious gossip, or active opposition, Psalms 62:3 offers both solace and a call to steadfast faith. It reminds us that the foundations of wickedness are inherently unstable, built on shifting sand rather than the solid rock of truth and righteousness. While the "mischief" of others can feel overwhelming and threatening, this verse encourages us to look beyond the immediate appearance of strength or cunning and recognize the inevitable fragility of evil. Our response should not be to retaliate in kind, but to deepen our trust in God's perfect timing and unwavering justice. Just as David found his security in God alone, we are called to anchor our souls in Christ, knowing that our ultimate stability comes not from the absence of adversaries, but from the unshakeable presence of our God, who sees, judges, and ultimately prevails.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "bowing wall" and "tottering fence" help you understand the true nature of opposition you might face?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "imagine mischief" or harbor ill-will, and how does this verse challenge such thoughts?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice when you feel wronged, rather than seeking personal vindication?**

### FAQ
**Does "ye shall be slain all of you" imply a literal death for David's enemies, or is it metaphorical?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word for "slain" (הָרַג, _hārag_) often refers to literal killing, in this prophetic context, it encompasses a broader sense of utter destruction, ruin, or being brought to nothing. It can certainly include literal death for some of David's adversaries, but it also speaks to the complete collapse of their plans, influence, and power. The following similes of the "bowing wall" and "tottering fence" strongly support this broader interpretation, indicating a state of being utterly undermined and collapsing, whether physically, politically, or socially. The ultimate judgment against those who "imagine mischief" is their complete undoing, often at the hand of God's justice, which may manifest in various forms of ruin and defeat. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that the wicked's schemes ultimately ensnare themselves, as seen in [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - He Digs a Pit and Falls Into It").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as "a man" against whom mischief was imagined, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate "man" against whom the greatest malice was plotted. From the conspiracies of the religious leaders to the betrayal by Judas, every imaginable mischief was directed against Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). Yet, the "bowing wall" and "tottering fence" of human and demonic opposition utterly collapsed before Him. The very act intended to "slay" Him became the means of their defeat and His ultimate triumph. Through His resurrection, Christ demonstrated that the "mischief" of sin and death was powerless to hold Him ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). He is the unshakable foundation, the Cornerstone rejected by the builders but who became the Capstone ([Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). All who trust in Him stand on an eternal, unyielding rock, while those who oppose Him, like the foolish builder, build on sand, destined for collapse when the storms of divine judgment come ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Christ's victory over all imagining of mischief guarantees the ultimate downfall of all evil, securing eternal stability for His people.

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

Jeremiah 4:14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Psalms 140:2

Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.

Psalms 21:11

For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].

Proverbs 1:22

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Isaiah 30:13

Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Isaiah 30:14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit.