Old Testament
Psalms 35:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not let them say in their hearts, 'Ah, so would we have it.' Do not let them say, 'We have swallowed him up.'
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Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
What Psalms 35:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is expressing a plea to God not to allow his enemies to gloat over his misfortunes. The phrase 'Ah, so would we have it' indicates a desire for his downfall, while 'We have swallowed him up' suggests a complete victory over him. The psalmist is concerned that if his enemies succeed, they will take pleasure in his suffering and boast about their triumph. This reflects a deep sense of vulnerability and the desire for divine protection. The psalmist seeks reassurance that God will not allow his adversaries to rejoice in his defeat, emphasizing the importance of God's intervention in times of distress. The verse highlights the emotional turmoil faced by the psalmist and the need for God's support against those who wish him harm. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil, where the faithful seek refuge in God amidst their struggles.
How to apply Psalms 35:25 to your life
When facing challenges or opposition, we can turn to God in prayer, asking for His protection and support. This verse encourages us to trust that God sees our struggles and will not allow our enemies to triumph over us. We should remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is our defender.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 35:25 mean?
Psalms 35:25 expresses a plea to God for protection against enemies who wish to gloat over the psalmist's misfortunes. It highlights the fear of being defeated and the desire for God to prevent adversaries from celebrating his downfall.
What is the meaning of 'We have swallowed him up' in Psalms 35:25?
The phrase 'We have swallowed him up' indicates a complete victory over the psalmist by his enemies. It reflects their desire to boast about their triumph and the psalmist's concern about their pleasure in his suffering.
How can I apply Psalms 35:25 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 35:25 by turning to God in prayer when facing challenges or opposition. It encourages you to trust that God sees your struggles and will protect you from those who wish to harm you.
What themes are present in Psalms 35:25?
The themes in Psalms 35:25 include divine protection, vulnerability, the plea for help, and the struggle against enemies. It reflects the spiritual battle between good and evil and the need for God's support.
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