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Book of Psalms - Chapter 17 - Verse 13

17:13
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:

Meaning

According to this verse in the book of Psalms, the psalmist is calling upon the Lord to rise up and thwart the plans of the wicked. The psalmist seeks divine intervention, asking God to cast down the enemy and protect their soul from harm. The imagery of God's power being likened to a sword highlights the idea that the wicked serve as instruments of God's judgment. By invoking God to disappoint and deliver, the psalmist is expressing trust in God's ability to defend them from evil forces. This verse underscores the belief that God is not only a source of strength and protection, but also a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to the wicked. In times of trouble and distress, the psalmist's plea serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the hope of deliverance through faith in the Almighty.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse can be understood in the context of the relationship between God and His people. In this prayer, the psalmist is crying out to God for deliverance from the wicked, who are described as God's sword. The concept of God using the wicked as His tool of judgment is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God is portrayed as using various means to discipline His people when they turn away from Him. In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to intervene and thwart the plans of the wicked, ultimately seeking protection from harm. The word study of "disappoint" in this verse can also be connected to the idea of frustrating or hindering the enemy's schemes, emphasizing the psalmist's plea for God to act on his behalf. Overall, this verse highlights the psalmist's trust in God's power to deliver him from adversity and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all things, even the actions of the wicked.

American Standard Version

Arise, O Jehovah, Confront him, cast him down: Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword;
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