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Book of Psalms - Chapter 59 - Verse 13

59:13
Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

Meaning

One interpretation of the verse "Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah." is that it reflects the power and sovereignty of God over all the earth. The verse calls for God to bring wrath upon the enemies of Jacob, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces that threaten the people of God. By consuming them in wrath, God demonstrates his rule and authority over not just Jacob, but all the earth. The term "Selah" at the end of the verse signifies a pause, allowing the listener to reflect on the magnitude of God's power and the consequences of defying his authority. This verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control and justice in the world, reassuring believers of his protection and dominion over all nations and peoples.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Psalms, we see a prayer for God's wrath to be poured out on the enemies of the psalmist. The repetition of the phrase "consume them" emphasizes the psalmist's desire for complete destruction of these enemies. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the idea of divine justice and the belief in God's sovereignty over all nations. The phrase "let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth" asserts God's ultimate authority and power. The word "Selah" at the end of the verse encourages reflection on the weight of the words spoken. When studying the original Hebrew text, the word "consume" is translated from the Hebrew word "akal," which means to eat or devour. This imagery of consuming the enemies in wrath adds a visceral element to the psalmist's plea for justice. Overall, this verse calls attention to the righteous anger of God and the reality of His dominion over all creation.

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