Psalms 109

Ps 109 The psalmist begins this lament with a general charge against his accusers: They do evil in return for good (109:1-5). At the end of the psalm, he turns to the Lord in prayer, asking for his protection (109:21-25) and vengeance (109:26-31).109:1 The psalmist sees no evidence that God cares (see 28:1).

109:4-5 The psalmist’s acts of kindness and godliness (see 35:12-14) have only met with stubborn opposition and expressions of hatred.

109:6-19 The NLT translates these verses as the words of the psalmist’s accusers; Hebrew lacks They say, which makes it unclear who is speaking.

109:8-11 Family members of those guilty of capital crimes often died with the perpetrator (Num 16:1-33; Josh 7:1-25) or had their property confiscated (1 Kgs 21:13-16).109:8 The wicked person apparently held a position of leadership. Peter referred to this psalm in regard to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20-26).

109:13 If one’s family name was blotted out, it meant there was no offspring to carry on the family name or remember its history (see Prov 10:7).

109:14 Children inherit the sinful nature of their parents (51:5; Exod 20:5; Eph 2:3). The speaker wants the Lord to punish the perpetrator for the guilt of family members who went before him (cp. Matt 23:35-36).

109:16 The defendant committed capital crimes and did not exercise even basic decency.

109:18 Cursing is the accused person’s whole way of life.

109:20 The psalmist appeals to the principle of retribution (see 94:23).

109:21-25 Vulnerable and miserable, the psalmist appeals to his Lord for help. The accusations have killed his inner spirit and even his physical stamina.109:21 The Lord’s reputation is at stake. If the wicked triumph, others could think that the Lord is also wicked and be drawn to that wickedness (1:1).

109:23 A shadow at dusk suggests a transitory, empty existence (102:11; 144:4); a single locust could easily be brushed off one’s clothing.

109:26-31 These verses form a prayer for God’s presence and for vindication. The psalmist wants everyone to see that he is vindicated by the Lord, not by any human agent.

109:28 The Lord’s servant demonstrates loyalty and obedience.

109:29 The psalmist had been accused of being clothed with curses (109:18); now he asks that his accusers be clothed with disgrace and humiliation.