Psalms 71:13

KJV

Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them be confounded {H954}{H8799)} and consumed {H3615}{H8799)} that are adversaries {H7853}{H8802)} to my soul {H5315}; let them be covered {H5844}{H8799)} with reproach {H2781} and dishonour {H3639} that seek {H1245}{H8764)} my hurt {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May those who are opposed to me be put to shame and ruin; may those who seek to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

Berean Standard Bible

May the accusers of my soul be ashamed and consumed; may those who seek my harm be covered with scorn and disgrace.

American Standard Version

Let them be put to shameandconsumed that are adversaries to my soul; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:13 is a fervent prayer from an aging psalmist, likely facing intense persecution and distress, who appeals to God for divine justice against his malicious adversaries. The psalmist passionately requests that those who seek his harm be utterly humiliated, rendered powerless, and publicly disgraced, reflecting a profound trust in God's active involvement in defending the vulnerable and vindicating the righteous amidst severe trials. This imprecation is not a call for personal vengeance but a plea for God's righteous judgment to be manifested.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of trust, unique in its lack of a superscription, yet resonating with the experiences of an elderly individual relying on God as a lifelong refuge. The psalmist identifies himself as old and gray, appealing to God as his strength from youth, a theme echoed in [Psalms 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalm 71:9 - Do Not Cast Me Off in Old Age") and [Psalms 71:18](/psalms/71-18 "Psalm 71:18 - Do Not Forsake Me When I Am Old"). This verse, [Psalms 71:13](/psalms/71-13 "Psalm 71:13 - A Prayer for the Humiliation of Adversaries"), immediately follows pleas for deliverance and protection from enemies who conspire against him, as seen in [Psalms 71:10-11](/psalms/71-10-11 "Psalm 71:10-11 - Enemies Conspiring Against Me"). It is part of a series of petitions for God to act decisively against those who slander and seek to destroy him, culminating in a desire for God's praise and vindication. The psalm transitions between cries for help and expressions of unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness, making this imprecatory verse a raw expression of a heart longing for divine intervention and justice, framed by a profound trust in God's enduring help.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 71 lacks a specific historical attribution, its themes of an aging leader facing adversaries strongly echo the experiences of King David in his later years, particularly during times of rebellion or betrayal, such as Absalom's revolt or Shimei's curses (compare [2 Samuel 16:5-14](/2_samuel/16-5-14 "2 Samuel 16:5-14 - Shimei Curses David")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, honor and shame were paramount societal values. Public disgrace was a severe punishment, often considered worse than physical harm, as it stripped an individual of their social standing and reputation within the community. To be "confounded," "consumed," or "covered with reproach and dishonour" meant not only defeat in one's schemes but also a profound loss of social standing and public humiliation. The psalmist's prayer reflects this cultural understanding, seeking not just the cessation of his enemies' actions but their public humiliation, thereby restoring his own honor and demonstrating God's righteous judgment to the entire community, confirming His covenant faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 71 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, presenting God as the ultimate righteous judge who actively intervenes to right wrongs and bring consequences upon the wicked. The psalmist places his hope not in personal vengeance but in God's sovereign hand, trusting that God will "repay according to their deeds" as seen in [Psalms 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God Repays According to Deeds"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Protection from Adversaries**, a recurring motif in the Psalms. The psalmist's deep vulnerability and the malicious intent of those who "seek my hurt" drive his desperate plea for divine safeguarding, emphasizing God's role as a refuge and deliverer, a concept central to the entire [Book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Israel"). Finally, the desire for enemies to be "covered with reproach and dishonour" speaks to the theme of **Vindication and Honor**. The psalmist implicitly seeks his own restoration and the public affirmation of his righteousness, trusting that God will expose the truth and demonstrate His faithfulness to His servant, ultimately bringing glory to His own name, as articulated in [Psalms 35:26](/psalms/35-26 "Psalm 35:26 - Let Them Be Ashamed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954, this verb properly means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed or delayed. In this context, it signifies that the adversaries' malicious schemes against the psalmist will not only fail spectacularly but will result in their public humiliation and utter confusion, demonstrating the futility and foolishness of opposing God's chosen.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, this primitive root means "to end," whether intransitively (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitively (to complete, prepare, consume). Here, it is a strong plea for the complete eradication of the adversaries' power and ability to inflict harm. It implies a definitive cessation of their malicious activity, rendering them powerless and ineffective against the psalmist's soul and well-being.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_), and Dishonour (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** From H2781 and H3639 respectively, these two nouns are often paired in Hebrew to intensify the meaning of public shame, disgrace, and ignominy. _Cherpâh_ refers to contumely, disgrace, or a rebuke, emphasizing the act of shaming or the state of being shamed. _Kᵉlimmâh_ emphasizes the resulting disgrace, confusion, or shame. The psalmist desires not merely their defeat but their public, undeniable humiliation, reflecting the profound cultural significance of honor and shame in the ancient world, where public disgrace was a severe and devastating consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul;":** This opening clause is a direct imprecation, a prayer for divine judgment. The "adversaries to my soul" refers to those who are hostile to the psalmist's very life, well-being, and perhaps even his spiritual integrity. The request for them to be "confounded" means their plots should be exposed and fail, leading to their shame and disappointment. To be "consumed" implies their power and influence should be utterly destroyed or brought to an end, rendering them harmless and incapable of further malice. This is a fervent plea for God to actively intervene and neutralize the existential threat posed by his enemies.
* **"let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.":** This second clause reiterates and amplifies the request for divine judgment, using vivid imagery. "That seek my hurt" identifies the malicious, evil intent of the adversaries (from H7451, _raʻ_, meaning bad or evil, harm, mischief). The phrase "covered [with] reproach and dishonour" is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that shame and disgrace will envelop them completely, like a garment (from H5844, _ʻâṭâh_, to wrap or cover). This signifies a public, inescapable, and undeniable humiliation, a reversal of their intended harm, where their evil intentions are exposed and rebound upon them, bringing them public ignominy and a profound loss of standing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's fervent plea. **Imprecation** is the overarching device, as the psalmist directly calls upon God to bring judgment upon his enemies. This is not a curse from the psalmist himself but a petition for divine action, entrusting vengeance to God. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of the verse, where the two main clauses ("Let them be confounded and consumed..." and "let them be covered with reproach and dishonour...") express similar desires for the adversaries' downfall, reinforcing the intensity and comprehensive nature of the prayer. The phrase "covered with reproach and dishonour" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Imagery**, depicting shame as a physical covering. This vivid image makes the abstract concept of disgrace tangible and inescapable, emphasizing the totality and public nature of the desired humiliation. Furthermore, the strong language, particularly "consumed," can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, expressing the psalmist's intense desire for a complete and decisive end to his enemies' malicious activity, rather than necessarily a literal annihilation in all cases.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:13 stands as a profound expression of a believer's reliance on God for justice in the face of malicious opposition. It articulates a deep conviction in God's righteousness and His active involvement in human affairs, particularly in defending the vulnerable and oppressed. While the imprecatory nature of the verse might seem jarring to modern sensibilities, it reflects an ancient understanding of God as the ultimate judge who will not allow evil to triumph indefinitely. The psalmist, instead of taking vengeance into his own hands, surrenders his cause to the divine court, trusting that God's perfect justice will ultimately prevail, vindicating the righteous and bringing appropriate consequences upon the wicked. This prayer is not born of personal vindictiveness but out of a desire for God's glory to be revealed through the triumph of righteousness over injustice, affirming God's sovereignty over all human actions and His commitment to upholding His covenant with His people. It is a cry for cosmic order to be restored, for the righteous character of God to be publicly displayed.

* [Psalms 35:4](/psalms/35-4 "Psalm 35:4 - Let Them Be Put to Shame")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:6](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:13, though an imprecatory prayer, offers profound insights for contemporary believers navigating injustice and opposition. It models an honest and unvarnished approach to God in prayer, allowing us to bring our deepest pain, frustration, and desire for justice before Him, rather than suppressing these emotions or resorting to self-help vengeance. The psalmist's plea is an act of profound trust, surrendering control to God's perfect timing and righteous judgment, rather than succumbing to bitterness or seeking personal retribution. It reminds us that our ultimate vindication comes from God alone, who sees all and judges righteously. For those who have been slandered, betrayed, or unjustly harmed, this verse can be a comfort, echoing a cry for God to expose the truth, clear their name, and bring honor to the righteous. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of good over evil, assuring us that in God's economy, all wrongs will eventually be made right, and His justice will prevail, bringing glory to His name and peace to His children, ultimately freeing us from the burden of carrying grudges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's raw honesty in prayer challenge or affirm your own prayer life when facing injustice?**
* **In what ways can you surrender your desire for personal vindication to God, trusting in His ultimate justice and timing?**
* **How does the concept of God's righteous judgment bring you comfort or conviction in your current circumstances?**
* **What does it mean to allow God to "cover" your adversaries with reproach and dishonor, rather than seeking to do so yourself, and how does this foster inner peace?**

### FAQ
**Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers like Psalms 71:13?**

Answer: While the New Testament emphasizes loving one's enemies and leaving vengeance to God (as seen in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine") and [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), imprecatory psalms like Psalms 71:13 serve several important functions. They model absolute honesty before God, allowing the psalmist to express deep pain, frustration, and a fervent desire for justice without taking matters into their own hands. They are appeals to God's perfect righteousness and sovereignty, acknowledging that only God can truly judge and bring about ultimate justice. For Christians, these prayers remind us that God is indeed a just judge who will ultimately right all wrongs. We are called to pray for our enemies' repentance and salvation, but we can also trust God to deal with unrepentant evil in His perfect time and way, as He will on the Day of Judgment (e.g., [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). The focus shifts from a personal desire for retribution to a longing for God's righteous kingdom to be fully established and for His justice to prevail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:13, with its fervent plea for the confounding and consumption of adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist prayed for his personal vindication, Jesus, the perfect righteous one, faced adversaries who sought not just his hurt but his crucifixion and public dishonor. Yet, in His death and resurrection, Jesus utterly confounded and consumed the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and Satan. The cross, intended as the ultimate reproach and dishonor for Christ, became the very means by which He triumphed over the powers of darkness, making a public spectacle of them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His resurrection was the definitive act that demonstrated the complete failure of the schemes of evil, revealing God's ultimate vindication of His Son and the defeat of death's sting (see [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Furthermore, the ultimate fulfillment of this imprecatory desire for justice will be seen when Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, bringing all unrepentant adversaries to account and covering them with eternal reproach, while His faithful are covered with glory and honor, as promised in passages like [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment")). Thus, the psalmist's cry for justice is not merely a human lament but a prophetic echo of God's unwavering commitment to His Son and His ultimate, decisive victory over all that opposes His righteous reign.

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 35:26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Psalms 71:24

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Psalms 35:4

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

Psalms 109:29

Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Psalms 132:18

His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.