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Psalms 83:13

O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.

Psalms 83:13 · King James Version

Meaning

Psalm 83:13 is a powerful verse that calls upon God to bring judgment upon the enemies of the psalmist. The imagery used in this verse is that of a wheel rolling over stubble in the wind, symbolizing destruction and annihilation. The wheel is a powerful and relentless force, crushing everything in its path. The stubble, on the other hand, is light and easily scattered by the wind. This vivid imagery highlights the dominance and power of God over His enemies, who are like the stubble before the wind. By invoking this imagery, the psalmist is expressing their desire for God to defeat their enemies swiftly and completely, leaving no trace of their opposition behind. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and ability to bring justice to those who oppose His will.

Theological Overview

Psalm 83:13 contains a vivid metaphor where the psalmist cries out to God to make the enemies of Israel like a wheel, driven by the wind. This imagery invokes the idea of swift and relentless destruction, as a wheel rolling in the wind would crush everything in its path. In this context, the word "wheel" can be interpreted as a symbol of God's power and judgment, as only He has the ability to swiftly defeat and overthrow the enemies of His people. The comparison to stubble being scattered before the wind emphasizes the total and complete destruction the psalmist is envisioning for the enemies of Israel. This verse highlights the belief in divine justice and the hope that God will ultimately triumph over evil forces. The theological interpretation of this verse points to God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice in the world.

Psalms 83:13 in other translations

American Standard Version

O my God, make them like the whirling dust; As stubble before the wind.

World English Bible

My God, make them like tumbleweed; like chaff before the wind.

Douay-Rheims

He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence: O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Geneva Bible (1599)

O my God, make them like vnto a wheele, and as the stubble before the winde.