KJV ORIGINAL
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Lord, confuse their speech and scatter their plans, because I have seen violence and fighting in the city.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is asking God to stop his enemies by confusing their ability to communicate and work together, because he sees violence and conflict all around him.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is attributed to David, likely written during a time when he faced betrayal from close allies and saw corruption in Jerusalem. The reference to dividing tongues echoes the Tower of Babel story, where God confused languages to stop unified rebellion against Him.
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