◄ Psalm 21:8 ►
Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.
Study Bible
Your hand
The phrase "Your hand" in Psalm 21:8 signifies the power and authority of God. In the Hebrew context, the hand often symbolizes strength and capability. The hand of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, representing His ability to act decisively in the world. In this verse, it underscores God's active role in delivering justice and executing His will. The imagery of God's hand conveys a sense of divine intervention and protection, assuring believers of His omnipotence and involvement in the affairs of humanity.

will apprehend
The term "will apprehend" suggests a future action of capturing or seizing. In the Hebrew, the word used here can imply a firm grasp or control over something. This conveys the certainty and inevitability of God's judgment against His enemies. It reflects the assurance that God will not overlook wrongdoing but will actively pursue and bring to justice those who oppose Him. This phrase reassures believers of God's commitment to righteousness and His ultimate victory over evil.

all Your enemies
"All Your enemies" refers to those who oppose God and His anointed king. In the historical context of the Psalms, this could include foreign nations or individuals who threaten the peace and security of Israel. Spiritually, it extends to all forces that stand against God's purposes. The comprehensive nature of "all" emphasizes that no adversary is beyond God's reach or power. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of resisting His will.

Your right hand
The "right hand" is often associated with favor, strength, and honor in biblical literature. It is a position of power and authority. In this verse, it highlights God's ability to execute judgment and deliverance with precision and might. The right hand of God is a symbol of His active engagement in the world, ensuring that justice is served. For believers, it is a source of comfort, knowing that God's righteous hand is at work on their behalf.

will seize those who hate you
The phrase "will seize those who hate you" indicates a decisive action against those who harbor animosity towards God. The Hebrew word for "seize" conveys a sense of capturing or taking hold of with intent. This reflects the certainty of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will. It serves as a warning to the wicked and a reassurance to the faithful that God will not allow hatred and rebellion to go unpunished. This phrase underscores the theme of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 21, David was the second king of Israel, known for his military prowess and deep relationship with God.

2. Enemies
In the context of this Psalm, enemies refer to those who oppose God's anointed king and, by extension, God Himself.

3. God's Right Hand
Symbolizes God's power and authority, often used in Scripture to denote His ability to save and judge.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's hand represents His sovereign power to bring justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately deal with all forms of evil and opposition.

The Assurance of Divine Protection
Just as God promises to apprehend enemies, believers can find comfort in knowing that God is their protector against spiritual and physical adversaries.

The Role of Faith in Facing Opposition
In times of trial, believers are encouraged to have faith in God's ability to overcome their enemies, reflecting David's confidence in God's deliverance.

The Call to Align with God's Purposes
Understanding that God opposes those who hate Him, believers are called to align their lives with God's will and purposes, avoiding enmity with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of God's "right hand" in Psalm 21:8 enhance your understanding of His power and authority?

2. In what ways can you apply the assurance of God's protection in your daily life, especially when facing opposition?

3. How does the theme of divine justice in Psalm 21:8 relate to the New Testament teachings on Christ's ultimate victory over His enemies?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance from a difficult situation. How does this reinforce your trust in His sovereignty?

5. Considering the call to align with God's purposes, what steps can you take to ensure you are not opposing God's will in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 110:1
This verse also speaks of God's enemies being subdued, emphasizing the theme of divine victory over opposition.

Exodus 15:6
The "right hand" of God is celebrated for its power and might, similar to its use in Psalm 21:8.

1 Corinthians 15:25
Paul speaks of Christ reigning until all His enemies are under His feet, echoing the theme of divine triumph.
Sermons
A Completed Salvation, Messiah's TriumphJoseph Irons.Psalm 21:1-13
A Royal Thanksgiving for Answers to PrayerC. Clemance Psalm 21:1-13
Let the Children of Zion be Joyful in Their KingW. Forsyth Psalm 21:1-13
Rejoicing in the Strength of GodLauncelot Andrews.Psalm 21:1-13
Thanksgiving for Prayer AnsweredC. Short Psalm 21:1-13
The Feelings of the Good in Relation to the Subjugation of EvilD. Thomas, D. D.Psalm 21:1-13
The Joy of the Heavenly KingHomiletic CommentaryPsalm 21:1-13
The Lord Protector of PrincesD. Featley, D. D.Psalm 21:1-13
Enemies Found Out by GodPsalm 21:8-9
The Exposure and Punishment of SinHomiletic CommentaryPsalm 21:8-9
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Enemies, Equal, Foes, Hate, Haters, Hold, Overtake, Search, Seize
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 21:8

     1270   right hand of God
     1670   symbols

Library
Epistle Lviii. To all the Bishops Throughout Helladia .
To all the Bishops throughout Helladia [1626] . Gregory to all bishops constituted in the province of Helladia. I return thanks with you, dearest brethren, to Almighty God, who has caused the hidden sore which the ancient enemy had introduced to come to the knowledge of all, and has cut it away by a wholesome incision from the body of His Church. Herein we have cause both to rejoice and to mourn; to rejoice, that is, for the correction of a crime, but to mourn for the fall of a brother. But, since …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

My Brethren.
OUR Lord Jesus Christ calls those for whom He died and who have believed on Him "My Brethren." What a word it is! The Brethren of the Man in Glory! Brethren of Him who is at the right hand of God, the upholder and heir of all things! Pause for a moment, dear reader. Let your heart lay hold anew of this wonderful message of God's Grace; Brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ! What depths of love and grace these words contain! What heights of glory they promise to us, who were bought by His own precious …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Fourteenth Day for the Church of the Future
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Church of the Future "That the children might not be as their fathers, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God."--PS. lxxviii. 8. "I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thy offspring."--ISA. xliv. 3. Pray for the rising generation, who are to come after us. Think of the young men and young women and children of this age, and pray for all the agencies at work among them; that in association and societies …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be Inquired Into
"My Son, beware thou dispute not of high matters and of the hidden judgments of God; why this man is thus left, and that man is taken into so great favour; why also this man is so greatly afflicted, and that so highly exalted. These things pass all man's power of judging, neither may any reasoning or disputation have power to search out the divine judgments. When therefore the enemy suggesteth these things to thee, or when any curious people ask such questions, answer with that word of the Prophet, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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