Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 10:1-11

I. A very great affection to God and his favour; for, in the time of trouble, that which he complains of most feelingly is God's withdrawing his gracious presence (Ps. 10:1): ?Why standest thou afar off, as one unconcerned in the indignities done to thy name and the injuries done to the people?? Note, God's withdrawings are very grievous to his people at any time, but especially in times of trouble. Outward deliverance is afar off and is hidden from us, and then we think God is afar off and we... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 10:1

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord ?.... This psalm begins with a complaint which proceeds on two general heads; the one is with respect to God, his distance from his people, and desertion of them in times of trouble, in this verse; and the other is with respect to the wicked in some following ones. God by his infinite essence and power is everywhere, and is never far off from any of his creatures; and though his glorious presence is in heaven, which, with respect to us on earth, is a land... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 10:1

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? - This Psalm makes a part of the preceding in the Vulgate and Septuagint; and in four of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. It seems to belong to the time of the captivity, or the return of the captives. It was probably made in reference to Sanballat, and the other enemies or the Jews. There is a great similarity between this and Psalm 13:1-6 , Psalm 14:1-7 , 35, and Psalm 53:1-6 ; : In these, as Calmet remarks, we find the same complaints, the same... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 10:1

Verse 1 1.Lord, why standest thou afar off? We here see how the prophet, seeking a remedy for his calamities, which were apparently past hope, directly addresses himself to God at the very commencement. And the rule which we should observe, when we are in trouble and sorrow, is this: We should seek comfort and solace in the providence of God; for amidst our agitations, vexations, and cares, we ought to be fully persuaded that it is his peculiar office to give relief to the wretched and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 10:1

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Here is the key-note struck at once. Why does God stand aloof? Why, after delivering his people from their foreign foes, does he not interfere to protect his true people from their domestic oppressors? "Throughout the reign of David," as it has been truly observed, "Palestine was infested by brigands, and disturbed by a factious nobility". Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? "Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself," says Isaiah ( Isaiah... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 10:1-18

Why? or, Hard facts and puzzling questions. Whether or no this psalm was originally a part of the ninth is a question which, as may be seen, is discussed by many expositors. The mere absence of a title to it is, however, a very slight indication in that direction; while the contrast, almost violent, between the two psalms seems to be sufficient to show that they could scarcely have been penned by the same writer at the same time. The ninth psalm is a song of praise over the great... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 10:1-18

Times of darkness and fear. The experiences of the psalmist may differ from ours, but by faith and sympathy we can enter into his feelings. Besides, there is always more or less of trouble. Life is full of vicissitudes. Times of darkness and of fear come to all. Not from one, but from many, the cry goes up to Heaven, "Why standest thou afar off?" I. THE COMPLAINT . ( Psalms 10:1-11 .) Why? Perplexity and fear are natural because of the silence of God. What makes his silence the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 10:1-18

The righteous God. The one grand thought which runs through this psalm and most of the Old Testament literature is that God, notwithstanding all appearances to the contrary, is a Righteous Being, and that all wickedness must be punished and overthrown. In this psalm two principal thoughts are vividly pictured forth, and a prayer. I. A COMPLAINT TO GOD OF THE DARING ATHEISM OF THE WICKED . ( Psalms 10:1-11 .) 1 . He imagines himself to be above all restraint ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 10:1

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? - That is, What is the reason why thou doest this? The thought upon which this is based is that God might be expected to interpose in a time of trouble, and that His aid might then be looked for. Yet, in this case, He seemed to be an indifferent spectator of the sorrows and afflictions of the wronged and oppressed. This filled the mind of the writer with surprise, and he could not account for it, especially in view of the character of the person or persons... read more

Group of Brands