Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.
Rebuke the army of warriors, the crowd of powerful leaders, along with their followers among the nations, until each one surrenders and brings tribute of silver: scatter the people who love war.
The writer is asking God to defeat warlike nations and their armies, making them surrender and bring tribute until those who love violence are scattered.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm was likely written during Israel's conflicts with surrounding nations who constantly threatened them with military force. The imagery of 'bulls' and 'calves' refers to powerful nations and their vassals, with Egypt often symbolized as a bull in ancient literature. The request for tribute of silver reflects the common practice of defeated nations paying homage to their conquerors.
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