Psalms 49:14

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Like sheep {H6629} they are laid {H8371}{H8804)} in the grave {H7585}; death {H4194} shall feed {H7462}{H8799)} on them; and the upright {H3477} shall have dominion {H7287}{H8799)} over them in the morning {H1242}; and their beauty {H6697}{H8675)}{H6736} shall consume {H1086}{H8763)} in the grave {H7585} from their dwelling {H2073}.

Like sheep, they are destined for Sh'ol; death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning; and their forms will waste away in Sh'ol, until they need no dwelling.

Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode.

They are appointed as a flock for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd: And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be for Sheol to consume, That there be no habitation for it.

Commentary

Psalm 49:14 is a somber yet hopeful verse that continues the psalmist's meditation on the fleeting nature of wealth and the inevitability of death for all, contrasting the ultimate destiny of the foolish rich with that of the righteous.

Context

This verse is part of a wisdom psalm (Psalm 49) that challenges the common perception that worldly prosperity is a sign of divine favor or an assurance of security. The psalmist directly addresses those who trust in their riches and boast in their abundance (Psalm 49:6). The preceding verses emphasize that no amount of wealth can redeem a soul or purchase life (Psalm 49:7-9), and that even the wise and foolish alike face death (Psalm 49:10). This verse specifically highlights the grim reality awaiting those who put their trust in earthly things.

Key Themes

  • Mortality and the Futility of Earthly Wealth: The imagery of "like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them" powerfully depicts the helplessness of humanity before death, regardless of their earthly status or riches. Their wealth cannot prevent their demise, and they are consumed by the grave, just as sheep are consumed by a predator. This underscores the core message of the psalm: earthly possessions offer no true security or lasting legacy.
  • Divine Justice and Vindication of the Upright: The phrase "the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning" introduces a stark contrast. "Morning" often symbolizes a new day, light after darkness, and in prophetic or eschatological contexts, can refer to a time of divine judgment, resurrection, or vindication. This signifies that while the wicked may prosper temporarily, the righteous will ultimately be exalted and triumph, even over those who once seemed powerful. This points to a future hope and the ultimate triumph of God's justice, echoing the themes in Daniel 12:2 regarding resurrection.
  • Decay and Dissolution: "and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling" reiterates the temporary nature of physical life and worldly glory. "Beauty" (Hebrew: tzuram) refers to their physical form, strength, or outward splendor. This verse emphasizes that all that is valued in this life—physical attractiveness, power, possessions—will decay and be lost in the grave, leaving no trace of their earthly "dwelling" or magnificent homes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "beauty" in the KJV (tzuram) can also mean "their form" or "their strength." This emphasizes that not just their outward appearance, but their very essence and vitality, will waste away in the grave. The term "dominion" (Hebrew: radah) implies rule, subjugation, or having authority, suggesting a reversal of fortunes where the humble righteous will ultimately be elevated above the proud and wealthy who once oppressed them.

Related Scriptures

  • For the futility of earthly riches in the face of death, consider Luke 12:20-21, where Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool whose soul is required of him on the very night he plans to expand his barns.
  • The ultimate triumph of the righteous is echoed in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth," and in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, which speaks of death being swallowed up in victory.
  • The certainty of death for all is a universal truth found in Hebrews 9:27, stating that "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

Practical Application

Psalm 49:14 serves as a powerful reminder to evaluate where our true security lies. It challenges us to look beyond the temporary allure of material possessions and worldly status. Instead of accumulating wealth that cannot save us from the grave, we are encouraged to pursue righteousness and trust in God, who offers eternal hope and true vindication. The verse assures believers that even in a world where the wicked may seem to prosper, divine justice will prevail, and the upright will ultimately be glorified, while the fleeting "beauty" of the ungodly will perish with them. This encourages perseverance in faith and a focus on eternal values over temporal gains.

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Cross-References

  • Malachi 4:3 (6 votes)

    And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 (5 votes)

    Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

  • Job 30:23 (4 votes)

    For I know [that] thou wilt bring me [to] death, and [to] the house appointed for all living.

  • Daniel 7:22 (4 votes)

    Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

  • Romans 8:36 (3 votes)

    As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

  • Luke 22:30 (3 votes)

    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Daniel 7:18 (3 votes)

    But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.