Psalms 18:42
Psalms 18:42 in Multiple Translations
I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets.
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind; I did cast them out as the mire of the streets.
Then they were crushed as small as dust before the wind; they were drained out like the waste of the streets.
I ground them into dust, like dust in the wind. I threw them out like mud in the street.
Then I did beate them small as the dust before the winde: I did treade them flat as the clay in the streetes.
And I beat them as dust before wind, As mire of the streets I empty them out.
Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I cast them out as the mire of the streets.
Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
I pulverize them, with the result that they become like [MET] the dust that the wind blows away; I throw them out like [SIM] people throw dirt out into the streets.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:42
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 18:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְשַׁוְּע֥וּ
וְ/אֵין
מוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
עַל
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
וְ/לֹ֣א
עָנָֽ/ם
יְשַׁוְּע֥וּ
shâvaʻ
H7768
to cry
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
עָנָֽ/ם
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:42
יְשַׁוְּע֥וּ
shâvaʻ
H7768
"to cry"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To cry out in the original Hebrew means to shout for help or freedom from trouble. This verb is used to describe calling out for assistance in times of need.
Definition: (Piel) to cry out (for help), shout
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cry (aloud, out), shout. See also: Job 19:7; Psalms 22:25; Psalms 18:7.
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָנָֽ/ם
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:42
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:42
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
- Sermons on Psalms 18:42
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
40You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.
41They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer.
42I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets.
43You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. 44When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 10:6 | I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. |
| 2 | Zechariah 10:5 | They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 13:7 | Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. |
| 4 | Isaiah 41:2 | Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. |
| 5 | Isaiah 25:10 | For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain. But Moab will be trampled in his place as straw is trodden into the dung pile. |
| 6 | Isaiah 41:15–16 | Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel. |
| 7 | Malachi 4:3 | Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 8 | Psalms 50:22 | Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: |
Psalms 18:42 Summary
[Psalms 18:42 is a powerful description of God's victory over the psalmist's enemies. It says, 'I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets.' This means that with God's help, the psalmist was able to completely overcome those who were against him. This is similar to what is promised in Deuteronomy 28:7, where God promises to cause enemies to flee before us. It's a reminder that our strength comes from God, and when we trust in Him, He can give us victory over any challenge we face, just as He did for the psalmist.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'ground them as dust in the face of the wind' in Psalms 18:42?
This phrase is a metaphor for complete defeat and destruction, similar to what is described in Isaiah 40:15, where nations are like a drop in a bucket. It signifies the overwhelming power of God on behalf of the psalmist.
Is the image of trampling enemies like mud in the streets a call to violence?
No, this verse is not promoting violence but rather describing the psalmist's experience of God's deliverance, as seen in Psalms 18:40, where God makes enemies retreat before the psalmist. It's a picture of God's victory, not a call to personal vengeance.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
Psalms 18:42 illustrates the spiritual reality that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, as described in Ephesians 6:12. The psalmist's victory is a testament to the power of God in such conflicts.
Can this verse be applied to our personal struggles today?
Yes, the principle of trusting in God's power for victory over our enemies, whether they be spiritual, emotional, or physical, is timeless. As seen in Psalms 18:43, God delivers us from strife and makes us victorious, a promise that can be claimed by believers today, just as it was by the psalmist.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's power and deliverance in your life, similar to the psalmist in Psalms 18:42?
- What are the 'enemies' you face today, and how can you trust God for victory over them?
- In what ways can you apply the metaphor of 'trampling enemies like mud in the streets' to your spiritual life, recognizing it as a symbol of God's power and not personal aggression?
- How does the concept of God making nations and peoples serve the believer, as mentioned in Psalms 18:43-44, encourage you in your walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:42
Then did I beat them small, as the dust before the wind,.... They being given up by God, and he not answering to their cries; the phrase denotes the utter ruin and destruction of them, and represents
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:42
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Here follows the fourth section of the psalm.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
Or, rid them away, as dirt is usually swept or carried out of houses or streets. Or, tread them down, or bruise them, as men do dirt when they walk in the streets.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
Psalms 18:42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.Ver. 42. Then did I beat them as small as the dust] When God once withdraws his protection and help from a people it is an easy matter to tread them down and beat them in pieces. Lay hold upon him, therefore, as the Church did, and hang on. Say, as Jeremiah 14:21, Do not abhor us for thy name’ s sake; for as Bodin said well of obtaining, so for retaining, religion and civil rights, Non disputationibus, sed rogationibus agendum, prayer is most prevalent. If once our shadow depart, &c., woe be unto them when I depart from them. I did cast them out, &c.] Evacuabam eos, I dealt by them as men do by the sweepings of the house, or noisome excrements. God sometimes dungeth his vineyard with the dead bodies of his enemies.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
(42) Before the wind.—In Samuel, the weaker “of the earth.” Cast them out—i.e., sweep them before me. In Samuel “stamp and tread them out.” So LXX. here “grind,” or “pound.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
Verse 42. Then did l beat them] God was with him, and they had only an arm of flesh. No wonder then that his enemies were destroyed. Small as the dust before the wind] This well expresses the manner in which he treated the Moabites, Ammonites, and the people of Rabbah: "He put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron; and made them pass through the brick-kiln," c. See 2 Samuel 12:31, and the notes there.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:42
42. Two figures are combined to express the annihilation of David’s enemies. They were, as it were, pounded to dust (2 Kings 13:7), and then scattered like that dust driven before the wind. Cp. Isaiah 29:5; Isaiah 41:2. 2 Sam. reads only “as the dust of the earth.” I did cast them out &c.] Flung them away as worthless refuse (Zephaniah 1:17). But the mire of the streets is usually spoken of as trampled under foot (Isaiah 10:6; Micah 7:10; Zechariah 10:5), and it suits the parallelism better to read with the LXX and 2 Sam., I did stamp them (Micah 4:13). The variation is again due to the confusion of similar letters (ΰψχν—ΰγχν). The addition at the end of the verse in 2 Sam., “and did spread them abroad,” is probably a gloss.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:42
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind - As the fine dust is driven by the wind, so they fled before me. There could be no more striking illustration of a defeated army flying before a conqueror.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:42
37-42. In these verses David describes his victories and the stirring scenes of the battle field.
Sermons on Psalms 18:42
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Matthew 24:45 to End. Christ Describes the End of Faithful and Unfaithful Servants. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer delivers a powerful sermon on the responsibility of ministers as stewards of God's mysteries, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and watchfulness in the |
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Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 7 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the sharp threshing instrument in the ministry of Jesus. The instrument represents the dividing line between the false and |
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Psalm 114 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the greatness and glory of God as shown in His dealings with Israel, highlighting their deliverance from Egypt and consecration as a peculiar people, drawing |
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A Bar of Steel by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the transformative process of God's refining work in our lives, using the analogy of a bar of steel being shaped into valuable tools through intense d |
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Immense Is the Reward by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome speaks about the blessed and wonderful gifts of God, such as life in immortality, righteousness, truth, faith, and self-control, which are within our understanding |
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Divine Mercy to Mourning Penitents by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the divine mercy extended to mourning penitents, using the example of Ephraim's repentance and God's compassionate response. The sermon highlights the |
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God's Remedy for Man's Malady by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the sinful nature of mankind, infected with a dreadful disease that affects every aspect of the soul, leading to enmity with God and condemnation. Howeve |