Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Psalms 89:23

Next

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

And I will beat down {H3807}{H8804)} his foes {H6862} before his face {H6440}, and plague {H5062}{H8799)} them that hate {H8130}{H8764)} him.

I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

And I will beat down his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him.

Commentary

Psalm 89:23 (KJV) declares God's unwavering commitment to protect His chosen one, King David, and by extension, his lineage and the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ. This verse is a powerful declaration of divine intervention against adversaries.

Context of Psalm 89:23

Psalm 89 is a profound meditation on God's covenant faithfulness, particularly His eternal promise to David regarding his throne and kingdom. The psalm begins with exuberant praise for God's steadfast love and truth (verses 1-18), then transitions into a detailed recounting of the Davidic Covenant (verses 19-37). Within this covenant section, verses 20-37 emphasize God's anointing of David and the extensive blessings and protections promised to him and his descendants. Verse 23 specifically highlights God's active role in defeating David's enemies, ensuring the security of his reign. The psalm famously shifts to a lament later (verses 38-51), questioning God's apparent abandonment of the Davidic line, which makes the promises in this section even more significant as a reminder of God's initial, unshakeable commitment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection: The verse powerfully illustrates God's commitment to actively defend His anointed. The phrases "beat down" and "plague them" emphasize God's direct, decisive, and forceful intervention on behalf of His servant. This theme assures us of God's readiness to protect His people.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: This verse is a testament to God's fidelity to His promises, specifically the Davidic Covenant. It reinforces the idea that God stands by His word, ensuring the security and stability of the kingdom He established through David.
  • Victory Over Enemies: God promises absolute triumph over David's adversaries. This is not merely a passive defense but an active suppression and affliction of those who oppose God's chosen leader. This principle extends to the ultimate victory of Christ over all spiritual and physical foes, as seen in passages like Colossians 2:15.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "beat down" is katath (כָּתַת), meaning to crush, to shatter, or to break in pieces. It conveys a sense of overwhelming, decisive defeat.
  • "Plague" comes from the Hebrew nagaph (נָגַף), which means to strike, smite, or afflict. This term often implies a sudden, often divine, judgment or blow, indicating God's direct hand in bringing affliction upon the enemies. Together, these terms paint a picture of God's irresistible power against opposition.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 89:23 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. While we may not face literal armies as David did, we encounter various forms of opposition—spiritual battles, personal struggles, and societal pressures. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power and His promise to protect us. It reinforces the truth that ultimately, through Christ, we are more than conquerors, and no weapon formed against us shall prosper. It points to the ultimate hope of a future where all enemies are subdued and God's reign is absolute.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:9 (6 votes)

    And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth.

  • 2 Samuel 7:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

  • Psalms 21:8 (3 votes)

    Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

  • Psalms 21:9 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

  • John 15:23 (3 votes)

    He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

  • Psalms 18:40 (3 votes)

    Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

  • 2 Samuel 22:40 (3 votes)

    For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.