If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
If he does not turn away from evil, God will sharpen his sword; he has already drawn his bow and prepared it for battle.
God is warning that if someone refuses to repent and turn from wickedness, divine judgment is ready and waiting to be carried out.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is attributed to David, likely written during a time when he was being pursued by enemies who were making false accusations against him. In ancient warfare, sharpening swords and preparing bows were final preparations before battle, so this imagery would have been very vivid to David's original audience. The verse reflects the biblical understanding that God is both patient and just, giving people time to repent but also prepared to act in judgment.
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