Bible Strands
Psalms 18:37
I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist speaks to God, describing a moment of active combat where divine support prevents physical collapse.
The words — אֶרְדּ֣וֹף ('er.Dof) means "I pursued," and כַּלּוֹתָֽ/ם (ka.lo.Ta/m) means "consumed/destroyed," establishing a continuous action until total defeat.
The thread — The pattern of relentless divine pursuit and enemy consumption appears in Psalms 44:5 and Numbers 24:17, where God repels foes and establishes royal authority.
Why it lands — The text states that the speaker did not turn back until the enemies were consumed, and it requires the reader to acknowledge that sustained action, not initial strength, secures the outcome.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
Cross-references
- Psalms 44:5 Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.
- Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
- Numbers 24:17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
- Psalms 3:7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
- Psalms 9:3 When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You.
- Psalms 35:2 Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.
- Psalms 35:5 May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away.
- Psalms 37:20 But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.
- Psalms 118:11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
- Isaiah 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.”