Psalms 70:2
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
Psalms 70:2 · King James Version
Meaning
As with many verses in the Psalms, this verse is a cry for help and protection from the Psalmist to God. The Psalmist is asking God to intervene on their behalf against their enemies who are seeking to harm them. The language used is strong and vivid, expressing the depth of the Psalmist's distress and the urgency of their need for God's intervention. The verse speaks of the Psalmist's enemies being ashamed, confounded, turned backward, and put to confusion. These words paint a picture of the enemies' plans being foiled and their efforts to harm the Psalmist being thwarted. Ultimately, this verse is a plea for deliverance and vindication, with the Psalmist placing their trust in God to protect them and bring justice to their situation. It serves as a reminder of the power of God to intervene in times of trouble and to bring about justice for those who are wronged.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse can be understood in the context of the psalmist calling upon God to intervene on their behalf against their enemies. The psalmist is expressing a plea for divine justice, asking for shame and confusion to come upon those who seek to harm them. In the broader theological context of the Bible, this verse can be seen as a cry for God's protection and vindication against those who wish to do harm to His followers. The language used in this verse reflects the psalmist's deep trust in God's power to thwart the plans of the wicked and ultimately bring about justice. Additionally, a word study of the terms "ashamed," "confounded," "turned backward," and "put to confusion" can shed light on the depth of emotion and urgency in the psalmist's plea for deliverance and protection from their enemies. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's reliance on God for strength and protection in times of trouble.
Psalms 70:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
Let them be put to shame and confounded That seek after my soul: Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor That delight in my hurt.
World English Bible
Let them be disappointed and confounded who seek my soul. Let those who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
Douay-Rheims
Deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me. Incline thy ear unto me, and save me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let them be confounded and put to shame, that seeke my soule: let them bee turned backewarde and put to rebuke, that desire mine hurt.