Psalms 55:10

"Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 55:10, the psalmist cries out to God for divine intervention against those who are causing violence and strife in the city. The phrase "confuse them, Lord, and confound their language" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern prayer for divine judgment, where the deity is asked to disrupt an enemy's communication and coordination as a means of thwarting their plans. This request is rooted in the understanding that divine intervention could nullify human schemes through disarray and confusion among adversaries.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Day and night they go about it, upon the walls thereof -That is, continually. The word “they” in this place probably refers to the violence and strife mentioned in the preceding verse. They are here personified, and they seem to surround the city; to be everywhere moving, even on the very walls. They are like a besieging army. Inside and outside; in the midst of the city and on the walls, there was nothing but violence and strife - conspiracy, rebellion, and crime. Mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it -Crime abounded, and the result was anguish or sorrow.

More from Psalms 55

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion