Their mocking words reflect the arrogance of those who think they are beyond God’s sight.
When David declares, “Behold, they belch forth with their mouth; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, ‘Who hears?’” (v.7), he is describing enemies who use words as potent weapons, lashing out with mocking cruelty and arrogance. David lived around 1000 BC, reigning as king in Israel at Jerusalem, yet he often found himself surrounded by adversaries who sought his demise. In this psalm, he reveals how his foes believed they could assault him verbally without consequence, hurling verbal attacks as though they were physical weapons—“swords are in their lips”—and assuming no one, including God, was listening. Their brazen question “Who hears?” demonstrates the prideful assumption that their words can freely wound without repercussion.
David’s vivid imagery of malicious speech exemplifies a timeless truth about the power of the tongue to inflict harm. Scripture consistently warns of destructive language, noting how it can ignite strife and cause deep injury (James 3:5-12). By describing their speech as loud outbursts and swords, David underscores the toxicity within his enemies’ hearts, an arrogance that God sees and takes into account. Although they believe themselves unaccountable, David affirms that the Almighty hears every word and will ultimately hold them responsible (Psalm 59:8-10).
Even so, David’s hope rests in the Lord’s attentive ear and sovereign judgment. Rather than matching mockery with mockery, this psalm shows David bringing his hurt and frustration to God, trusting that the One who truly hears and sees all will rescue the righteous and repay the proud according to their deeds.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 59:7 meaning
When David declares, “Behold, they belch forth with their mouth; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, ‘Who hears?’” (v.7), he is describing enemies who use words as potent weapons, lashing out with mocking cruelty and arrogance. David lived around 1000 BC, reigning as king in Israel at Jerusalem, yet he often found himself surrounded by adversaries who sought his demise. In this psalm, he reveals how his foes believed they could assault him verbally without consequence, hurling verbal attacks as though they were physical weapons—“swords are in their lips”—and assuming no one, including God, was listening. Their brazen question “Who hears?” demonstrates the prideful assumption that their words can freely wound without repercussion.
David’s vivid imagery of malicious speech exemplifies a timeless truth about the power of the tongue to inflict harm. Scripture consistently warns of destructive language, noting how it can ignite strife and cause deep injury (James 3:5-12). By describing their speech as loud outbursts and swords, David underscores the toxicity within his enemies’ hearts, an arrogance that God sees and takes into account. Although they believe themselves unaccountable, David affirms that the Almighty hears every word and will ultimately hold them responsible (Psalm 59:8-10).
Even so, David’s hope rests in the Lord’s attentive ear and sovereign judgment. Rather than matching mockery with mockery, this psalm shows David bringing his hurt and frustration to God, trusting that the One who truly hears and sees all will rescue the righteous and repay the proud according to their deeds.