Lexical Summary teqomem: To raise up, to restore, to establish Original Word: תְּקוֹמֵם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rise up against From quwm; an opponent -- rise up against. see HEBREW quwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as qum, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs III. תִּקְוָה proper name, masculine (hope; compare LagBN 131); — 1 father-in-law of Huldah 2 Kings 22:14, Θεκοναυ A ᵐ5L Θεκ(κ)ουε (= תוקהת2Chronicles 34:22 Kt [Qr תָּקְהַת], Καδουαλ, A Θακουαδ, A ᵐ5L Θεκουε. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context and Translation Psalm 139 culminates in a prayer that affirms wholehearted allegiance to the LORD. Within that climax, תְּקוֹמֵם identifies “those who rise against” God (Psalm 139:21). David’s use of this singular noun gathers every hostile thought, word, and action under one description: insurgents who stand in active rebellion against their Creator. By framing opposition to God as personal uprising, the psalm confronts the reader with a stark moral polarity—either shared loyalty with God or alignment with His adversaries. Covenantal Loyalty and Zeal for God’s Honor David’s declaration is not an expression of personal vendetta but of covenant fidelity. In the same breath that he marvels, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), he repudiates anything—or anyone—that threatens the glory of the One who formed him. The psalmist’s hatred is therefore covenantal, rooted in love for God’s holiness rather than in human bitterness. Such language underscores that true piety is never morally indifferent; love for God necessarily includes opposition to evil (Psalm 97:10). Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Rebellion: תְּקוֹמֵם marks a deliberate, self-conscious revolt against God’s rule, echoing the rebellious posture of Babel (Genesis 11:4) and the kings who “rise up” against the LORD’s Anointed (Psalm 2:2). Connection to Imprecatory Prayer Imprecatory language often alarms modern readers, yet it reflects the psalmist’s confidence that righteous judgment belongs to God alone. By verbalizing his detestation of “those who rise against” the LORD, David places vengeance in God’s hands (Psalm 94:1). Such prayer: Historical Reception in Jewish and Christian Tradition • Second Temple Jewish writings viewed Psalm 139 as a model of covenantal faithfulness, often recited in times of persecution. Ministry Application 1. Discernment in Spiritual Warfare: Leaders must name sin for what it is—uprising against God—while proclaiming the gospel that calls rebels to reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). Christological Perspective Jesus Christ embodies the perfect response to תְּקוֹמֵם. He denounced hypocritical rebellion (Matthew 23) yet wept over Jerusalem’s resistance (Luke 19:41). At the cross He bore judgment for insurgents, extending forgiveness even to those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Thus the psalm’s tension between justice and mercy finds resolution in the gospel: divine wrath satisfied, rebels invited into sonship (Romans 5:10). Eschatological and Ethical Implications The final subjugation of all who persist in uprising is certain (Philippians 2:10–11). The church anticipates that day by living distinctively now—hating evil, clinging to what is good (Romans 12:9), and proclaiming salvation to “those who rise against” God while opportunity remains. Related Scriptures Exodus 32:26; Numbers 16:30; Deuteronomy 13:6–9; Psalm 68:1; Psalm 119:53; Proverbs 28:4; Nahum 1:2; John 15:18–19; Revelation 20:7–9. Summary תְּקוֹמֵם crystallizes the concept of active rebellion against the LORD. Its lone appearance in Psalm 139 serves as a theological linchpin, reminding believers that loyalty to God requires moral clarity, humble self-examination, and a gospel-shaped response to a world still in uprising. Forms and Transliterations וּ֝בִתְקוֹמְמֶ֗יךָ ובתקוממיך ū·ḇiṯ·qō·wm·me·ḵā ūḇiṯqōwmmeḵā uvitkomMeichaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 139:21 HEB: יְהוָ֥ה ׀ אֶשְׂנָ֑א וּ֝בִתְקוֹמְמֶ֗יךָ אֶתְקוֹטָֽט׃ KJV: thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? INT: LORD hate up grieved 1 Occurrence |
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