What does Psalm 109:31 mean?
ESV: For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.
NIV: For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them.
NASB: For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his soul.
CSB: For he stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.
NLT: For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.
KJV: For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.
NKJV: For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, To save him from those who condemn him.
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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