Psalms 21:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forces the enemies to flee by drawing His bow against them.
The Context of Psalms 21:12
The enemies' forced retreat before God's judgment and strength.
What Does Psalms 21:12 Mean?
Turn their back means to flee, to run away in defeat. God's preparation of arrows—the readying of His judgment—is so evident and overwhelming that the enemies cannot stand but must scatter. They face God and cannot endure the confrontation.
The arrows of the Lord are His judgments, swift and inevitable. When the bow is drawn and ready, the enemies see their doom approaching and have no recourse but flight. This images God's active role in scattering and defeating the king's foes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 21:12
What does Psalms 21:12 mean?
God forces the enemies to flee by drawing His bow against them.
What is the context of Psalms 21:12?
The enemies' forced retreat before God's judgment and strength.