Psalm 7:12

Translations

Modern

If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.

Traditional

If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Literal

If one shall not turn back, then He sharpens His sword; He has bent His bow and prepared it.

Latin

Nisi conversi fueritis, gladium suum vibrabit; arcum suum tetendit, et paravit illum.

Original

Hebrew

English

If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.

Notes

Psalms 7:12–13

sword … bow … deadly weapons … arrows with fire: As the Divine Warrior, God attacks to defend himself and his people.

Psalms 7:10–13

The psalmist moves from his own situation (Psalm 7:1–9) to speak for all the godly who seek redemption (7:10–16). He protects and vindicates his people. When his followers cry out for help, God hears them and acts to rescue them.

Psalms 7:1–17

This psalm includes the following:

A lament (Psalm 7:1–2): The psalmist cries out to God for help and protection from enemies.
An oath of innocence (Psalm 7:3–5): The psalmist declares that he has done no wrong and maintains his integrity.
A call for God's justice (Psalm 7:6–9): He asks God to act against evildoers and defend the righteous.
An affirmation of God’s just kingship (Psalm 7:10–16): The psalmist praises God as a fair judge who rules the world rightly.
A concluding hymn of praise (Psalm 7:17): The psalmist ends with a song of thanksgiving, honoring God’s righteousness and deliverance.

Psalms 3:1–7:17

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

Theme notes and profiles

David God’s Anger Retribution

Related verses

Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,
Matthew 3:10
The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
Isaiah 55:6–7
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Deuteronomy 32:41
…when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me.
Psalm 85:4
Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us.
Ezekiel 18:30
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.
Isaiah 34:5
When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction.
Ezekiel 21:9–11
“Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished—
Ezekiel 33:11
Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
Ezekiel 21:23
It will seem like a false omen to the eyes of those who have sworn allegiance to him, but it will draw attention to their guilt and take them captive.
Isaiah 27:1
In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
Jeremiah 31:18–19
I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.

Glossary

Benjamin, Tribe of Cush (Person) David Music Psalms, Book of Shiggaion, Shigionoth

Topics

Conversion: Danger of Neglecting The Anger of God: Against: Impenitence The Sword: Sharpened and Furbished Before Going to War Wicked (People): Punishment of

Psalm 7:12

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