Psalm 109:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death.

NIV: For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted.

NASB: Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the afflicted and needy person, And the despondent in heart, to put them to death.

CSB: For he did not think to show kindness, but pursued the suffering, needy, and brokenhearted in order to put them to death.

NLT: For he refused all kindness to others; he persecuted the poor and needy, and he hounded the brokenhearted to death.

KJV: Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

NKJV: Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the poor and needy man, That he might even slay the broken in heart.

Psalm 109:6–20 contains a long list of punishments which the psalmist—probably David—wishes upon his enemies. Prayers for wrathful judgment to come from God are labeled "imprecatory," and don't necessarily come with God's approval. These seem to be in response to sinful acts towards the poor (Psalm 109:16), as well as repeated lies (Psalm 109:4–5). The writer's wishes for his enemies include legal accusations and convictions, poverty, shame, humiliation, and curses. This even extends to asking for the enemy to die and leave his family destitute.

The psalmist, probably David, calls on the Lord for help. He is under siege in the form of lies, hatred, and slander. Though David has shown them love, they respond with attacks. He prays that God would deliver punishment to these enemies. David's requests are harsh and even include the families of these opponents. Ultimately, David trusts God to provide rescue. He hopes that it will be clear to all that it was the Lord who rescued Him.

Certain psalms are labeled "imprecatory," meaning they call for God's wrath and punishment on some enemy. This is one example, along with others such as Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 129, 137, and 140. These do not promise revenge or an intent to act; they are pleas for the Lord to respond with harsh vengeance. This psalm is not associated with any specific event or incident.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/23/2024 4:52:38 AM