Sometimes we feel as though we are as vulnerable as bones scattered at the edge of the grave, but even then, God’s power and deliverance are assured.
“As when one plows and breaks open the earth, Our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol” (v.7). In this verse, traditionally attributed to King David (who ruled around 1010-970 BC), the psalmist gives an evocative image of intense despair. The comparison to a farmer turning soil—as when one plows and breaks open the earth—heightens the notion of harsh upheaval. This imagery transitions into a portrait of ruin: Our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. Sheol was a term in ancient Israel that referred to the realm of the dead, signifying the destructive enemy forces or circumstances that have left the faithful in a place of bleakness. David’s words reveal the raw desperation of someone who feels as though life has been churned up and death looms near, yet is still seeking God’s deliverance.
Because David lived and reigned in Jerusalem (located in the land of Israel), he often wrote psalms to capture his moments of suffering and dependence upon God. Kings in that historical context during the 10th century BC faced constant threats from enemy nations, which frequently caused them to fear devastation and death. While Psalm 141:7 specifically does not mention a precise location other than referencing Sheol, it builds on David’s numerous references to God as his protector (Psalm 18, Psalm 22, etc.) who rescues him from the peril he experiences. Readers can see a parallel to Jesus’ promise in the New Testament that the righteous, even in times of turmoil, are not forsaken (Matthew 5:10-12).
The verse also underscores how total the scattering of one’s hopes and safety might feel amid life’s trials. Yet David’s overarching trust remains with the Lord—he continues to seek God’s help and protection, as indicated in the wider scope of Psalm 141. Even if circumstances leave the people of God disassembled and their very “bones” scattered, the psalmist’s prayer rises like incense (Psalm 141:2) and finds its way to the eternal presence of God. This theme resonates with believers today, reminding them to remain faithful and confident, trusting that God can restore order from chaos.
This verse warns believers that despair can be deeply unsettling, like a field upturned, but it expresses the conviction that God’s delivering power stands ready.
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Psalms 141:7 meaning
“As when one plows and breaks open the earth, Our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol” (v.7). In this verse, traditionally attributed to King David (who ruled around 1010-970 BC), the psalmist gives an evocative image of intense despair. The comparison to a farmer turning soil—as when one plows and breaks open the earth—heightens the notion of harsh upheaval. This imagery transitions into a portrait of ruin: Our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. Sheol was a term in ancient Israel that referred to the realm of the dead, signifying the destructive enemy forces or circumstances that have left the faithful in a place of bleakness. David’s words reveal the raw desperation of someone who feels as though life has been churned up and death looms near, yet is still seeking God’s deliverance.
Because David lived and reigned in Jerusalem (located in the land of Israel), he often wrote psalms to capture his moments of suffering and dependence upon God. Kings in that historical context during the 10th century BC faced constant threats from enemy nations, which frequently caused them to fear devastation and death. While Psalm 141:7 specifically does not mention a precise location other than referencing Sheol, it builds on David’s numerous references to God as his protector (Psalm 18, Psalm 22, etc.) who rescues him from the peril he experiences. Readers can see a parallel to Jesus’ promise in the New Testament that the righteous, even in times of turmoil, are not forsaken (Matthew 5:10-12).
The verse also underscores how total the scattering of one’s hopes and safety might feel amid life’s trials. Yet David’s overarching trust remains with the Lord—he continues to seek God’s help and protection, as indicated in the wider scope of Psalm 141. Even if circumstances leave the people of God disassembled and their very “bones” scattered, the psalmist’s prayer rises like incense (Psalm 141:2) and finds its way to the eternal presence of God. This theme resonates with believers today, reminding them to remain faithful and confident, trusting that God can restore order from chaos.
This verse warns believers that despair can be deeply unsettling, like a field upturned, but it expresses the conviction that God’s delivering power stands ready.