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Psalms 109

31 verses

TL;DR

A lamenting psalm pleading for divine justice against relentless enemies, demanding curses and removal of their influence, while affirming faith in God's mercy.

Summary

Psalm 109 opens with a heartfelt cry that the psalmist’s peace is shattered by the deceitful mouths of the wicked. He describes how these enemies surround him with hatred, yet he turns to prayer, asking God to bring judgment upon them. The psalm takes the form of a detailed petition, requesting Satan as a tool of retribution, curses that cut off lineage, and the stripping of any mercy toward the adversary’s descendants. The speaker then appeals to God’s justice, asking that the wicked be cut off and that their memory be erased from the earth. Despite the harsh language, the psalm maintains an undercurrent of hope, as the psalmist recalls God’s mercy and vows to praise Him. He concludes with confidence that God stands with the poor and will rescue him from those who condemn his soul.

Outline
  1. 1. Cry of distress and plea for divine judgment
  2. 2. Specific curses and requests for Satan’s involvement
  3. 3. Assurance of God’s mercy and promise of deliverance
Themes
Divine justice and vengeancePrayer and faith in God’s mercyContrast of curse and blessing
Keywords
curseblessingjusticemercyprayervengeance
People
GodSatanthe speakerwretched adversariesthe poor
Places
earthdesolate placesthe right hand of the poor
Things
curseblessingmerciesvows of prayer
Key Verses
  • Psalms 109:6: Petition that Satan stand at the wicked’s right hand as a tool of judgment
  • Psalms 109:16: Emphasis on God’s memory of the wicked’s lack of mercy
  • Psalms 109:31: Affirmation of God’s support for the poor and his right-hand justice
Questions
  • Why does the psalmist appeal to Satan as an instrument of judgment?
  • What does this psalm reveal about ancient perceptions of divine justice?
  • How does the psalm balance a call for vengeance with confidence in God’s mercy?
Sentiment

negative
The psalm expresses deep distress and a demand for vengeance, yet concludes with hopeful faith in divine justice.