Psalms 68:21

But God shall wound the head of his enemies, [and] the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

But God {H430} shall wound {H4272}{H8799)} the head {H7218} of his enemies {H341}{H8802)}, and the hairy {H8181} scalp {H6936} of such an one as goeth on still {H1980}{H8693)} in his trespasses {H817}.

God will surely crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who continue in their guilt.

Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.

But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.

Psalm 68:21 (KJV) delivers a powerful declaration of God's decisive judgment against His adversaries and those who persist in rebellion. This verse underscores the certainty of divine retribution for unrepentant sin and defiance.

Context

Psalm 68 is a triumphant psalm, often associated with a processional march, possibly celebrating the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem or commemorating God's past victories, such as the Exodus. It portrays God as a mighty warrior, a protector of the fatherless and widows, and a sovereign ruler who leads His people to victory. The psalm oscillates between recounting God's historical acts of deliverance and His future triumph over all opposition. Verse 21 fits within this broader narrative of God's ultimate authority and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly against those who oppose His will or His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The central theme is God's absolute power to defeat His enemies. The imagery of "wounding the head" signifies a crushing, fatal blow, ensuring complete victory and eradication of opposition. This is not merely a defeat but a decisive end to their power.
  • Consequences of Persistent Sin: The verse specifically targets "such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses." This highlights the danger of unrepentant, continuous rebellion against God. It serves as a warning that prolonged defiance will inevitably lead to severe divine consequences.
  • God's Justice and Sovereignty: This verse affirms God's character as a righteous judge who will not tolerate perpetual wickedness. It reinforces His ultimate control over all things and His commitment to upholding justice in the earth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wound the head" uses the Hebrew verb machats (מָחַץ), which means "to shatter," "to smite through," or "to wound fatally." This term conveys a sense of decisive, destructive impact. The "head" (rosh, רֹאשׁ) is often symbolic of power, authority, or the very life source, so wounding it implies total incapacitation and defeat. This imagery echoes the ancient promise in Genesis 3:15 about bruising the serpent's head, hinting at a broader, cosmic victory over evil.

The term "hairy scalp" (qodqod se'ar, קָדְקֹד שֵׂעָר) is a vivid and somewhat unique expression for the crown of the head. It emphasizes the totality of the person, particularly one who is stubborn or defiant. The phrase "goeth on still in his trespasses" (holekh ba'ashamav, הֹלֵךְ בַּאֲשָׁמָיו) literally means "walking in his guilt" or "walking in his sins," emphasizing a continuous, unrepentant lifestyle of rebellion against God's commands.

Practical Application

Psalm 68:21 offers both a warning and a comfort. For those who stubbornly refuse to turn from sin, it serves as a solemn reminder of God's inevitable judgment. It underscores the importance of repentance and seeking God's mercy rather than persisting in defiance, as highlighted in passages like Romans 2:5 regarding the hardness of heart.

For believers, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance. It reaffirms that God is ultimately in control and will decisively deal with all forms of evil, oppression, and rebellion. Even when His people face challenges or enemies, they can trust in God's ultimate triumph and His commitment to justice. This understanding can strengthen faith and encourage perseverance, knowing that God's people are more than conquerors through Him who loves them.

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.

  • Habakkuk 3:13

    Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

  • Psalms 110:6

    He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill [the places] with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

  • Psalms 7:12

    If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

  • Luke 13:5

    I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

  • Ezekiel 18:27

    Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

  • Ezekiel 18:30

    ¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

  • Psalms 55:23

    But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

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