Psalms 73:9

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

They set {H8371}{H8804)} their mouth {H6310} against the heavens {H8064}, and their tongue {H3956} walketh {H1980}{H8799)} through the earth {H776}.

They set their mouths against heaven; their tongues swagger through the earth.

They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.

They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.

Context

Psalm 73 is a profound reflection by Asaph, a chief musician and seer in King David's time, grappling with one of life's most perplexing issues: the apparent prosperity and peace of the wicked, contrasted with the struggles of the righteous. Before reaching his spiritual breakthrough in God's sanctuary (Psalm 73:17), Asaph observes the ungodly and their seemingly unhindered success, which nearly caused him to stumble (Psalm 73:2). Verse 9 describes a key characteristic of these wicked individuals: their audacious and pervasive speech.

Key Themes

  • Blasphemous Arrogance: The phrase "They set their mouth against the heavens" signifies an extreme form of arrogance and defiance directed towards God Himself. It implies open blasphemy, a challenge to divine authority, and a rejection of any heavenly accountability. This is not merely questioning God, but actively speaking against His existence, power, or justice.
  • Pervasive Earthly Influence: "And their tongue walketh through the earth" illustrates the widespread and unchecked nature of their ungodly speech. Their words are not confined but spread pervasively, influencing society, spreading lies, slander, and ungodly philosophies without restraint. This highlights the destructive power of unchecked verbal arrogance and its ability to permeate human culture.
  • Contempt for Authority: The wicked exhibit a complete disdain for both divine and human authority, believing themselves above all judgment. This hubris is a core aspect of their character as portrayed in the psalm.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "set their mouth against the heavens" is shatu b'shamayim piihem (שָׁתוּ בַשָּׁמַיִם פִּיהֶם). The verb shatu can mean "to set," "to place," or "to direct," emphasizing the deliberate and purposeful nature of their blasphemous speech. "Heavens" (shamayim) here clearly refers to God's dwelling and authority. The imagery of "their tongue walketh through the earth" (v'lishonam tihalach ba'aretz) suggests an unhindered, dominating, and pervasive movement, as if their words freely roam and conquer earthly discourse.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of spiritual opposition. In a world where ungodly voices often seem loud, confident, and influential, we are called to:

  • Discern the Source: Recognize that arrogant and blasphemous speech, whether against God or moral truth, often stems from a heart that rejects divine authority and operates without fear of consequence.
  • Guard Our Hearts: Like Asaph, we must be careful not to be swayed or disheartened by the outward success or bold declarations of those who defy God. Our faith must remain anchored in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 73:18-19, which reveals their true, precarious end.
  • Speak Truth: While the wicked's tongues "walk through the earth," believers are called to let their speech be seasoned with grace and truth (Colossians 4:6), offering a counter-narrative of hope and righteousness.

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.

  • Revelation 13:6

    And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

  • James 3:6

    And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

  • Exodus 5:2

    And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

  • Daniel 7:25

    And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

  • Daniel 3:15

    Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

  • 2 Chronicles 32:15

    Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

  • Luke 18:4

    And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

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