Psalms 89:43
“Yes, you turn back the edge of his sword, and haven’t supported him in battle.”
What does Psalms 89:43 mean?
This is God speaking about withdrawing support from the king of Israel, likely during a time of military defeat or humiliation. The "edge of his sword" means the sharpness or effectiveness of his weapon, so turning it back is like dulling it, rendering his strength useless in combat. The verse captures a devastating moment: not only is the king losing, but it feels personal because God himself has stopped backing him up. For the original audience, this would have felt like the deepest betrayal, since kings were understood to rule with divine blessing. The passage reminds us that when we experience abandonment or defeat, especially after seasons of favor, it can shake us to our core, yet the psalm ultimately moves toward hope that God's covenant still holds.