Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
So you, LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, wake up and punish all the nations! Don't show mercy to any evil betrayers. Selah.
The writer is desperately calling on God to wake up and bring justice against wicked enemies who have betrayed trust, asking God not to hold back His judgment.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is attributed to David when Saul sent men to watch David's house and kill him, as recorded in 1 Samuel 19. David felt surrounded by enemies who were actively plotting his destruction. The term 'heathen' refers to foreign nations who opposed Israel, while 'wicked transgressors' likely includes both foreign enemies and treacherous Israelites who betrayed their covenant with God.
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