Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 58:6

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 58:6

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 58:6

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Jehovah." — Psalms 58:6 (ASV)

Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth - The word here rendered “break” means properly “to tear out.” The allusion is to his enemies, represented as wild beasts; and the prayer is, that God would deprive them of the means of doing harm - as wild animals are rendered harmless when their teeth are broken out.

Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord - The word used here means properly “biters” or “grinders” (Job 29:17; Proverbs 30:14; Joel 1:6). Compare the notes at (Psalms 3:7). The word rendered “young lions” here does not refer to mere whelps, but to full-grown though young lions in their vigor and strength, as contrasted with old lions, or those which are enfeebled by age. The meaning is, that his enemies were of the most fierce and violent kind.