Psalms 35:6 - Let their way be dark and slippery, Yahweh’s angel pursuing them.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 35:6" mean?
Psalm 35 is a prayer for deliverance from enemies, a plea for divine intervention against those who are unjustly persecuting the psalmist. Verse 6, "Let their way be dark and slippery, Yahweh’s angel pursuing them," is a particularly vivid expression of this desire. Let's break down what it likely means:
"Let their way be dark and slippery": This is a metaphor for a treacherous path. "Dark" suggests confusion, uncertainty, and inability to see what lies ahead. "Slippery" indicates instability and a high risk of falling or losing one's footing. Combined, it paints a picture of a life filled with obstacles, mishaps, and unexpected dangers. It's a curse wishing difficulty and misfortune upon the enemies.
"Yahweh’s angel pursuing them": The "angel of Yahweh" (or the Lord) is often depicted as a powerful and fearsome agent of divine judgment. This line is saying that the troubles the enemies face are not accidental or random; they are directly caused by God's messenger, actively chasing and afflicting them. The pursuit emphasizes the relentless and unavoidable nature of God's wrath.
In essence, the verse is a powerful curse, wishing upon the enemies:
Confusion and instability in their lives.
Unavoidable pursuit by God's power, leading to their downfall.
Important Considerations:
Imprecatory Psalms: Psalm 35, like other "imprecatory psalms," contains strong curses against enemies. These are often difficult for modern readers who are more accustomed to ideas of forgiveness and non-violence. There are various ways to interpret these psalms:
Expressions of Justice: Some see these as calls for God to enact justice against those who are truly wicked. They represent a cry for help from the oppressed and a belief in God's ultimate righteousness.
Expressions of Anger: Others view them as understandable, albeit raw, expressions of anger and frustration in the face of persecution.
Prophetic Utterances: Some see them as prophecies of the eventual judgment of the wicked.
Context is Key: It's important to consider the verse within the larger context of the psalm. The psalmist believes they are innocent and unjustly targeted. They are appealing to God for vindication and protection.
Ethical Implications: Whether one believes it is appropriate to pray such curses is a matter of ongoing debate and depends on one's theological and ethical framework. It prompts reflection on the nature of justice, revenge, and the role of faith in dealing with enemies.
In summary, Psalm 35:6 is a vivid and forceful expression of a desire for divine retribution against enemies, picturing them as stumbling in darkness while being relentlessly pursued by God's punishing angel. It highlights the psalmist's belief in God's power to deliver justice and protect the innocent.
Psalms 35:6 - Let their way be dark and slippery, Yahweh’s angel pursuing them.
What does "Psalms 35:6" mean?
Psalm 35 is a prayer for deliverance from enemies, a plea for divine intervention against those who are unjustly persecuting the psalmist. Verse 6, "Let their way be dark and slippery, Yahweh’s angel pursuing them," is a particularly vivid expression of this desire. Let's break down what it likely means:
"Let their way be dark and slippery": This is a metaphor for a treacherous path. "Dark" suggests confusion, uncertainty, and inability to see what lies ahead. "Slippery" indicates instability and a high risk of falling or losing one's footing. Combined, it paints a picture of a life filled with obstacles, mishaps, and unexpected dangers. It's a curse wishing difficulty and misfortune upon the enemies.
"Yahweh’s angel pursuing them": The "angel of Yahweh" (or the Lord) is often depicted as a powerful and fearsome agent of divine judgment. This line is saying that the troubles the enemies face are not accidental or random; they are directly caused by God's messenger, actively chasing and afflicting them. The pursuit emphasizes the relentless and unavoidable nature of God's wrath.
In essence, the verse is a powerful curse, wishing upon the enemies:
Confusion and instability in their lives.
Unavoidable pursuit by God's power, leading to their downfall.
Important Considerations:
Imprecatory Psalms: Psalm 35, like other "imprecatory psalms," contains strong curses against enemies. These are often difficult for modern readers who are more accustomed to ideas of forgiveness and non-violence. There are various ways to interpret these psalms:
Expressions of Justice: Some see these as calls for God to enact justice against those who are truly wicked. They represent a cry for help from the oppressed and a belief in God's ultimate righteousness.
Expressions of Anger: Others view them as understandable, albeit raw, expressions of anger and frustration in the face of persecution.
Prophetic Utterances: Some see them as prophecies of the eventual judgment of the wicked.
Context is Key: It's important to consider the verse within the larger context of the psalm. The psalmist believes they are innocent and unjustly targeted. They are appealing to God for vindication and protection.
Ethical Implications: Whether one believes it is appropriate to pray such curses is a matter of ongoing debate and depends on one's theological and ethical framework. It prompts reflection on the nature of justice, revenge, and the role of faith in dealing with enemies.
In summary, Psalm 35:6 is a vivid and forceful expression of a desire for divine retribution against enemies, picturing them as stumbling in darkness while being relentlessly pursued by God's punishing angel. It highlights the psalmist's belief in God's power to deliver justice and protect the innocent.