Psalm 118 12

Psalm 118:12 kjv

They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Psalm 118:12 nkjv

They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Psalm 118:12 niv

They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down.

Psalm 118:12 esv

They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

Psalm 118:12 nlt

They swarmed around me like bees;
they blazed against me like a crackling fire.
But I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD.

Psalm 118 verses

Psalm 118 12 Meaning

Psalm 118:12 conveys a vivid picture of extreme danger and ultimate divine deliverance. It describes the Psalmist, representative of God's people, surrounded and aggressively attacked by numerous foes, likened to a swarm of bees. However, this formidable threat is then instantaneously and utterly consumed, like a rapidly burning thorn bush. The ultimate victory is not by human strength but is decisively achieved by the Psalmist acting "in the name of the LORD," asserting God's supreme authority and power over all opposition. The verse signifies that though enemies may appear overwhelming, their might is fleeting and impotent against the power of God.

Psalm 118 12 Context

Psalm 118 is the final Psalm in the Hallel collection (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung at significant Jewish festivals, especially Passover. It is a triumphant song of thanksgiving for divine deliverance, likely after a significant national victory or a personal rescue experience, embodying Israel's collective gratitude and trust in the Lord. The Psalmist, possibly a king or a representative of the nation, recounts a time of being hemmed in by enemies from all sides. The preceding verses in Psalm 118 reiterate the theme of seeking refuge in the Lord over human strength (vv. 8-9) and acknowledge that "the LORD is with me" (v. 7). Verse 12 builds upon this, escalating the portrayal of enemy aggression and God's powerful, decisive intervention, concluding with a declaration of faith in the Lord's enabling power. This Psalm is often understood messianically by Christians, pointing to Christ's sufferings, rejection by man, and ultimate triumph (e.g., Ps 118:22-23 cited in the New Testament regarding Jesus).

Psalm 118 12 Word analysis

• They compassed me about (Hebrew: סַבּוּנִי, sabbuni): This word signifies being surrounded or encircled from all sides, emphasizing the intense pressure and perceived inescapable nature of the threat. It vividly conveys the feeling of being hemmed in, a common military tactic.
• like bees (Hebrew: כִדְבֹרִים, kid'vorim): The simile describes the enemies as numerous, aggressive, swarming, and persistent, delivering painful, stinging attacks. While intimidating due to their multitude and harassing nature, bees are individually small, implying the enemies lack inherent, formidable power when faced by God. They represent a fierce annoyance, but not an indestructible force.
• they are quenched (Hebrew: דֹּעֲכוּ, do'akhū): This verb means to be extinguished or to go out, as a fire. It highlights a sudden, complete, and irreversible cessation of the enemy's threat. Their attack ends abruptly, utterly neutralized.
• as the fire of thorns (Hebrew: כְּאֵשׁ קוֹצִים, ke'esh kotzim): A powerful image. Thorns burn quickly and fiercely, producing much heat and crackling, but they have little substance, leaving almost no lasting embers or residue. This implies the enemies' fury, though intense and outwardly menacing, is ultimately superficial, short-lived, and lacking any substantial, enduring power against God. Their might rapidly consumes itself, resulting in total, swift annihilation.
• in the name of the LORD (Hebrew: בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה, b'shem Yahweh): This phrase is pivotal. "The name of the LORD" does not merely refer to the letters of God's name, but to His very essence, character, authority, and power. It signifies invoking or acting under God's authorization and drawing directly from His divine strength and identity. It is the absolute assurance that the power invoked is divine, not human.
• I will destroy them (Hebrew: אֲמִילַם, amilam): This is an active, definitive statement by the Psalmist. The original Hebrew root (mul) implies cutting off, causing to decay, or destroying. This emphasizes the certainty and totality of the outcome. The victory is not passive, but a deliberate act executed through the authority granted by God. It shows that believers, acting in God's name, are empowered agents of His will and victory.

Psalm 118 12 Bonus section

The active "I will destroy them" coupled with "in the name of the LORD" in this verse holds a powerful resonance for understanding Christ's ministry and the empowerment of believers. Jesus, as the ultimate embodiment of God's Name (Jn 17:6, 26), exercised authority over disease, demons, and death itself. His disciples were likewise empowered to act "in His name" (Acts 3:6, Mk 16:17). Thus, this verse is not merely a historical account but a spiritual principle, illustrating the enduring truth that God's power, accessed through faith in His Name, gives victory over every formidable enemy, be it physical, spiritual, or circumstantial. The enemies, no matter how numerous or fierce ("like bees" and "fire of thorns"), are inherently limited and lack the eternal substance and power that reside "in the name of the LORD."

Psalm 118 12 Commentary

Psalm 118:12 offers a profound theological lesson about the nature of divine victory. The opening imagery of being "compassed... like bees" vividly communicates the sensation of being overwhelmed by numerous, persistent, and aggravating foes. This is a common human experience of facing trials that seem insurmountable or attacks from many directions. However, the turning point arrives swiftly: "they are quenched as the fire of thorns." This swift transformation from intense threat to rapid, complete dissolution is miraculous and a direct testament to God's intervention. Thorn-fire, though fierce, is brief and unsubstantial, consuming itself without leaving a lasting mark. So too, the enemy's power, despite its appearance, is transient and hollow when confronted by God. The key to this miraculous reversal lies "in the name of the LORD." This is not a magical incantation but a deep affirmation that all authority, power, and triumph come from God's character and covenant faithfulness. It is His omnipotence that subdues and eradicates what seems impossible for humanity. The Psalmist's confident declaration, "I will destroy them," is not a boast of personal strength but an empowered assertion, echoing God's own will and using His delegated authority. The verse reminds believers that their true power lies in reliance upon and active cooperation with God's divine power, enabling them to overcome what appears to be crushing opposition, knowing that God can reduce the most fiery threats to nothing in an instant.

For instance, when believers face overwhelming spiritual temptations or societal pressures, this verse encourages them to declare God's authority over the 'swarming' and 'fiery' nature of these attacks, trusting that they will be swiftly quenched in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.