KJV ORIGINAL
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Let death take them suddenly, and let them go down alive into the grave, because evil lives in their homes and among them.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is asking God to bring swift judgment on his enemies because of their wickedness and evil ways.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is traditionally attributed to David during a time when he was betrayed by close friends and facing enemies who sought his life. The Hebrew word 'sheol' (translated as 'hell' here) refers to the grave or place of the dead, not necessarily eternal punishment. This type of imprecatory prayer, calling for God's judgment on enemies, was common in ancient Hebrew poetry and reflected the justice-seeking culture of the time.
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