Psalms 69:25

KJV

Let their habitation be desolate; [and] let none dwell in their tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let their habitation {H2918} be desolate {H8074}{H8737)}; and let none dwell {H3427}{H8802)} in their tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the place where they live be desolate, with no one to live in their tents,

Berean Standard Bible

May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.

American Standard Version

Let their habitation be desolate; Let none dwell in their tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:25 is a potent imprecatory prayer from a psalmist, likely David, who is experiencing profound suffering and betrayal. In this verse, he appeals to God for severe and comprehensive judgment against his relentless adversaries, specifically requesting that their dwelling places be utterly desolated and left without inhabitants. This fervent plea for divine retribution reflects the psalmist's deep distress and his unwavering conviction in God's ultimate and righteous justice against those who maliciously oppose His servants and His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 stands as one of the most significant and frequently quoted Messianic psalms in the New Testament, a profound lament expressing deep anguish and unprovoked hostility. The psalmist, enduring immense suffering, pours out his heart to God, detailing his affliction and the unmerited hatred of his enemies (vv. 1-21). The psalm then transitions into a series of intense imprecations or curses against his persecutors (vv. 22-28), before concluding with renewed praise and confidence in God's salvation (vv. 29-36). Verse 25 is situated within this imprecatory section, immediately following a prayer for their table to become a snare and their eyes to be darkened (vv. 22-23), and preceding further requests for God's indignation to pursue them (vv. 24-28). The suffering described is so severe that it prefigures the passion of Christ, with elements such as the psalmist's thirst being referenced in [John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst") as a fulfillment of [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Gall and Vinegar").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a person's "habitation" or "tent" (often used interchangeably, whether referring to a nomadic tent or a more permanent house) was foundational to their identity, security, and lineage. To wish for a habitation to be "desolate" and for "none dwell in their tents" was to invoke a curse of utter ruin, extending beyond mere property to the very continuity of family and future generations. It implied the cessation of their name and presence from the land, a fate considered one of the most severe judgments in a culture where lineage, inheritance, and the continuation of one's name were paramount. This type of imprecation reflects the Old Testament understanding of divine justice, where God was expected to actively intervene in human affairs to punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous, often with visible, tangible consequences. The concept of a "desolate habitation" was a powerful image of complete destruction, signifying the end of a family line and its legacy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Psalm 69 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing the psalmist's unwavering belief that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring consequences upon those who oppose His anointed and afflict the innocent. Secondly, it expresses a desire for **Complete Desolation**, signifying not just temporary hardship but utter ruin and abandonment, reflecting the extreme nature of the suffering endured by the psalmist. This extends to the idea of **Consequences of Opposition**, underscoring the biblical principle that malicious opposition to God's people or His purposes can lead to severe divine repercussions, as seen in the broader narrative of God's dealings with His enemies, from [the flood](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6-9 - The Flood Narrative") to [the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Furthermore, the psalm's profound suffering and subsequent imprecations carry significant **Messianic Undertones**, foreshadowing the betrayal and suffering of Christ and the judgment that would fall upon His betrayers, as seen in the New Testament's application of these very curses, particularly concerning [Judas Iscariot](/acts/1-20 "Acts 1:20 - Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 regarding Judas").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Habitation (Hebrew, טִירָה, _ṭîyrâh'_):** From H2918, this term refers to a wall, and by extension, a fortress, a hamlet, or a dwelling place. It can denote a castle, palace, or a row of dwellings, emphasizing a substantial, often fortified, place of residence. In the context of Psalms 69:25, it signifies the established, secure dwelling of the enemies, highlighting that the psalmist desires the complete ruin of their fixed and seemingly secure abodes.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, שָׁמֵם, _shâmêm'_):** From H8074, this primitive root means to stun, grow numb, devastate, or stupefy. It conveys a sense of utter destruction and abandonment, often accompanied by astonishment or horror at the extent of the devastation. When applied to a dwelling, it implies not merely emptiness but a state of ruin that renders habitation impossible or undesirable, signifying a permanent and shocking desolation.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, יָשַׁב, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root primarily means "to sit down," but by implication, it extends to "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." It encompasses the idea of abiding, continuing, inhabiting, and even marrying (establishing a household). In this verse, "let none dwell" signifies the complete cessation of occupancy, implying that no one will remain, settle, or establish a family line in these places, thereby ensuring the permanent eradication of the enemies' presence and legacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let their habitation be desolate;":** This clause is a fervent and direct prayer for the complete and utter ruin of the enemies' dwelling places. The word "habitation" (_ṭîyrâh'_) refers to their established, perhaps even fortified, homes. The request for it to be "desolate" (_shâmêm'_) means it should be laid waste, abandoned, and rendered utterly uninhabitable. This signifies a loss of all security, property, and the very foundation of their existence, indicating a comprehensive and visible manifestation of divine judgment upon their lives and their material security.
* **"and let none dwell in their tents.":** This second clause intensifies and expands upon the first, extending the desolation to include the complete absence of any future inhabitants. "Tents" (_ʼôhel'_) here functions as a synecdoche, representing not just physical dwellings but also the family, household, and lineage. The plea that "none dwell" in them means that there should be no one left to inherit, no descendants to continue the family name, and no one to occupy their space. This is a prayer for the absolute end of their presence and posterity, a complete and irreversible eradication of their legacy from the earth, reflecting the severity of the psalmist's suffering and his desire for comprehensive divine justice that impacts both the present and future generations of his adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 69:25 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey the psalmist's intense plea for justice. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, which is a formal curse or invocation of divine punishment. The psalmist directly appeals to God to bring about severe judgment upon his enemies, reflecting a deep conviction in God's role as a righteous judge. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and let none dwell in their tents") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Let their habitation be desolate"). This repetition emphasizes the totality and permanence of the desired destruction, reinforcing the idea of complete ruin. Furthermore, the language borders on **Hyperbole** or vivid imagery, as the psalmist expresses an extreme desire for the enemies' ruin, which, while reflecting profound anguish, also serves to dramatically convey the severity of the injustice and the psalmist's unwavering trust in God's ultimate and decisive justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:25, as part of an imprecatory psalm, raises important theological questions about divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of prayer. While the language can be unsettling to modern readers, it reflects a deep-seated belief in God's sovereignty and His commitment to justice. The psalmist, having exhausted all other avenues, turns to God as the ultimate arbiter, entrusting vengeance to Him. This is not a call for personal revenge but a plea for God to act righteously against those who oppose His will and persecute His servants. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not indifferent to evil and that there will be ultimate consequences for unrepentant wickedness. The severity of the requested judgment highlights the gravity of sin, particularly the malicious persecution of the innocent and opposition to God's purposes. It serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is an active force in the world, ensuring that evil does not ultimately prevail.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance and Recompense are Mine")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:6](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "2 Thessalonians 1:6 - God's Righteous Judgment for Those Who Afflict You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the imprecatory language of Psalms 69:25 may seem harsh to a modern ear, it offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature of God and our response to injustice. It reminds us that God is a just God who sees every injustice, hears every cry, and will ultimately bring righteous judgment. For those who suffer persecution, betrayal, or profound injustice, this psalm provides a raw, honest expression of righteous indignation and a powerful model for bringing our deepest hurts and desires for justice before God. It teaches us to trust God with vengeance, knowing that He alone is perfectly righteous and capable of executing true justice, far beyond our limited understanding or capacity for personal retribution. Rather than seeking personal revenge, which is forbidden to believers, we are called to commit our cause to Him, allowing Him to act in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the serious consequences of opposing God's purposes and persecuting His people, urging us to examine our own hearts and actions for any trace of malice or injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as a just judge, as depicted in this psalm, impact your trust in Him when you experience injustice or feel wronged?**
* **In what ways can you honestly express your pain and desire for justice to God without succumbing to personal bitterness or a spirit of revenge?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the gravity of sin and the ultimate consequences of opposing God's righteous will and persecuting His people?**
* **How can you apply the principle of entrusting vengeance to the Lord in your own life, especially when wronged by others, and what does this look like practically?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such seemingly harsh prayers like Psalms 69:25?**

Answer: Imprecatory psalms like Psalms 69:25 are included in the Bible for several profound reasons. Firstly, they provide an honest and raw expression of human suffering and righteous indignation in the face of extreme injustice. The psalmist is not acting out of personal vendetta but appealing to God, the ultimate righteous judge, to intervene. Secondly, they serve as a theological statement about God's justice and sovereignty. They affirm that God is not indifferent to evil and that He will ultimately bring judgment upon the wicked, ensuring that justice will prevail. Thirdly, they function as a warning to oppressors and a comfort to the persecuted, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will vindicate His people. Finally, many of these psalms, including Psalm 69, have prophetic significance, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the judgment of those who oppose Him, as seen in the New Testament's application of these very verses.

**How should a Christian understand and pray this verse today, given Jesus' teaching on loving enemies?**

Answer: Christians should understand Psalms 69:25 primarily as a prayer for divine justice, not a license for personal revenge or a call to inflict harm. While Jesus commanded us to [love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), this does not negate God's attribute of justice. We are called to leave vengeance to the Lord, as explicitly stated in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord"), trusting that He will right all wrongs in His perfect timing and according to His perfect wisdom. When we encounter injustice, we can echo the psalmist's cry for God's justice, not out of a desire for personal harm, but out of a longing for God's righteous rule to prevail and for evil to be restrained. Ultimately, our prayers for justice should be filtered through the cross, recognizing that God's ultimate justice was poured out on Christ for our sins, and His desire is for all to come to repentance and find salvation through Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:25 finds its most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's application to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. In [Acts 1:20](/acts/1-20 "Acts 1:20 - Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 regarding Judas"), Peter, addressing the disciples after Judas's tragic death, explicitly quotes this verse (along with [Psalm 109:8](/psalms/109-8 "Psalm 109:8 - Let another take his office")) to describe the desolation of Judas's dwelling and the vacancy of his apostolic office. Judas's betrayal of the Messiah led to his tragic end and the literal desolation of his property, serving as a powerful illustration that the curses invoked against the psalmist's enemies ultimately find their most significant application to those who oppose or betray Christ. Just as the psalmist suffered unjustly, Jesus, the ultimate righteous sufferer and the true "anointed one," endured betrayal and persecution, and the judgment sought in this psalm was justly meted out upon His betrayer. This connection highlights that Christ's suffering and vindication are at the heart of the Psalms' prophetic vision, and that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail against all who set themselves against God's Son and His redemptive purposes, as Jesus Himself warned about the fate of His betrayer in [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Son of Man's betrayer").

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

Acts 1:20

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Matthew 23:38

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Jeremiah 7:12

But go ye now unto my place which [was] in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

Jeremiah 7:14

Therefore will I do unto [this] house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

Matthew 24:1

¶ And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

Matthew 24:2

And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Luke 13:35

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.