Psalms 59:7
There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips— for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's striking here is how the verse paints a picture of utterly unchecked malice. Their words aren't just hateful; they're described as "swords," implying a deliberate, lethal intent. And their confident question, "Who will hear us?" reveals a dangerous belief: that their wicked words and deeds will go unnoticed, by both humans and God.
David's enemies are relentless, circling him like hungry dogs, spewing venom and threats as they plot his demise. They're so caught up in their evil schemes and their belief that no one, not even God, is watching or will intervene, that their words are like drawn swords ready to strike.
David describes his enemies' words not just as harsh, but as lethal. What makes words so dangerous?
The Psalmist uses vivid imagery to show the destructive nature of speech. "Swords are in their lips" isn't just poetry; it captures the intent to wound, to cut, to kill with words. This isn't about simple disagreement; it's about malicious intent disguised as speech.
David's enemies felt safe speaking evil because they believed no one was listening. What does this reveal about their mindset?
The core of their arrogance lies in the question, 'Who, they think, will hear us?' This reveals a profound disconnect from accountability.
This psalm paints a vivid picture of the intense, personal threat David faced from Saul and his men. Their words were not just idle threats; they were weapons designed to wound and destroy, fueled by a desperate belief that no one, not even God, was listening or would intervene.
c. 1025 BC— this verse
Saul's Jealousy and Persecution of David
King Saul, increasingly paranoid and jealous of David's popularity, repeatedly attempts to kill him. David is forced to flee and hide.
c. 1025 BC
David Hides in Saul's Own House
At one point, David is hiding within the royal palace itself, a dangerous situation where he is nearly discovered by Saul's men.
c. 1025 BC
David's Flight and Wilderness Wanderings
David spends years on the run, living in caves and wilderness areas, constantly pursued by Saul and his forces.
This passage also describes destructive words as sharp weapons, mirroring the 'swords in their lips' imagery and highlighting the hurtful nature of malicious speech.
Proverbs 12:18This verse directly contrasts reckless words with wise speech, aligning with the Psalmist's depiction of enemies whose words are like swords, emphasizing the danger of unchecked speech.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus teaches that people will be held accountable for every careless word they speak, echoing the idea in Psalms 59 that what is said—even in secret or with a sense of impunity—will ultimately be known and judged.
James 3:8This passage states that the tongue cannot be tamed and is a restless evil, full of deadly poison, which powerfully illustrates the destructive force of the 'swords in their lips' mentioned in Psalms 59.
pulpitPsalms 59:7: "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?"
Verse 7. - Behold, they belch out with their mouth. All night long they keep uttering abuse and execrations and threats (comp. Psalm 94:4). Swords are in their lips (comp. Psalm 57:4). Speeches that wound and cut to the heart. For who, say they, doth hear! (comp. Psalm 10:11-13; Psalm 64:5; Psalm 73:11; Psalm 94:7). They think themselves irresponsible for their words. No one will hear…
clarkePsalms 59:7: "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?"
They belch out with their mouth - They use the lowest insult, the basest abuse. They deal in sarcasm, ridicule, slander, and lies.
What's striking here is how the verse paints a picture of utterly unchecked malice. Their words aren't just hateful; they're described as "swords," implying a deliberate, lethal intent. And their confident question, "Who will hear us?" reveals a dangerous belief: that their wicked words and deeds will go unnoticed, by both humans and God.
David's enemies are relentless, circling him like hungry dogs, spewing venom and threats as they plot his demise. They're so caught up in their evil schemes and their belief that no one, not even God, is watching or will intervene, that their words are like drawn swords ready to strike.
David's enemies are relentless, circling him like hungry dogs, spewing venom and threats as they plot his demise. They're so caught up in their evil schemes and their belief that no one, not even God, is watching or will intervene, that their words are like drawn swords ready to strike.
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"There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips— for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?”" — What's striking here is how the verse paints a picture of utterly unchecked malice. Their words aren't just hateful; they're described as "swords," implying a deliberate, lethal intent. And their con…
