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Book of Psalms - Chapter 37 - Verse 14

37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Psalms highlights the unjust actions of the wicked towards the poor, needy, and those who lead a righteous life. The wicked are portrayed as being aggressive and violent, using weapons like swords and bows to harm those who are vulnerable and upright in their conduct. The verse serves as a cautionary message against the abuse of power and the oppression of the less fortunate by those who seek to cause harm and destruction. It emphasizes the importance of protecting and standing up for those who are disadvantaged and emphasizing the need for justice and compassion in society. This verse is a reminder of the struggle between good and evil, and the need to protect the innocent and defenseless against those who seek to do them harm.

Theological Overview

From a theological perspective, this verse from Psalms 37:14 highlights the wicked's malicious intent towards the vulnerable in society. The imagery of drawing out the sword and bending the bow symbolizes their readiness to engage in violence and harm against the poor and needy. The verse also emphasizes the wicked's desire to destroy those who lead upright lives, indicating a broader theme of the conflict between good and evil. Through a word study, we can delve deeper into the original Hebrew text to gain a more nuanced understanding of the words used in this verse. For example, "poor" in Hebrew can connote those who are oppressed or afflicted, while "upright conversation" can refer to those who lead a blameless life. By examining these nuances, we can appreciate the depth of meaning in this verse and reflect on the ongoing struggle between righteousness and wickedness portrayed in the Psalms.

American Standard Version

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay such as are upright in the way.
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