What does Psalm 109:23 mean?
ESV: I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust.
NIV: I fade away like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.
NASB: I am passing like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust.
CSB: I fade away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.
NLT: I am fading like a shadow at dusk; I am brushed off like a locust.
KJV: I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.
NKJV: I am gone like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like a locust.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 109:21–31 is the third section of this "imprecatory" psalm: a song begging the Lord to deliver His wrath on an enemy. The first section noted the sins of enemies. The second was a list of misfortunes. Here, the psalmist, presumably David, emphasizes how he suffers at his enemies' hands. He calls on God to provide clear and obvious rescue, turning their own wickedness against them.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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