Psalms 18:14 - He sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them.

Generated Verse: Psalms 18:14

What does "Psalms 18:14" mean?


This verse from Psalm 18:14 is a vivid and metaphorical description of God's power and intervention on behalf of the Psalmist (often understood to be King David). Let's break it down:

"He sent out his arrows, and scattered them;" This imagery depicts God acting like a warrior, shooting arrows at the enemy. The arrows represent God's judgment, attacks, or punitive actions against those who oppose Him or the Psalmist. The effect is to scatter the enemy, disrupting their formation and plans.

"Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them." This reinforces the idea of God's devastating power. Lightning bolts are a symbol of overwhelming force and divine wrath. The word "routed" means to be utterly defeated and driven away in disorder. It suggests a complete and decisive victory brought about by God's intervention.

In essence, the verse signifies:

God's Divine Protection: The Psalmist sees God as actively defending him against his enemies.
God's Power and Authority: It showcases God's immense power, capable of scattering and defeating even the most formidable foes.
Metaphorical Language: The arrows and lightning bolts aren't necessarily literal weapons but represent the ways in which God intervenes, whether through natural events, military victories, or other forms of judgment.

Interpretation:

The verse is a powerful expression of faith in God's ability to protect and deliver. The Psalmist attributes his victories not to his own strength, but to God's intervention. The use of imagery like arrows and lightning bolts adds to the sense of awe and reverence for God's power.

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