Psalms 49:15

"They are appointed as a flock for Sheol. Death shall be their shepherd. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, far from their mansion."

Key Reflection

These verses metaphorically describe how death oversees the lives of all people, regardless of their status or righteousness. The upright, however, will find dominion over the dead in the afterlife, symbolizing that true piety leads to eternal life and authority beyond death's grasp.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave -literally, “from the hand of Sheol;” that is, from the dominion of death. The hand is an emblem of power, and it here means that death or Sheol holds the dominion over all those who are in the grave. The control is absolute and unlimited. The grave or Sheol is here personified as if reigning there, or setting up an empire there. Compare the notes atIsaiah 14:9. On the word “redeem,” see the references in the notes atPsalms 49:7. For he shall receive me -literally, “he shall take me.” That is, either, He will take me from the grave; or, He will take me “to” himself.

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