Psalms 10:1

PSALM 10

MAN: PREDATOR AND PREY

We are using as the title of this psalm the one used by Kidner.[1] The psalm falls naturally into two divisions (1) Psalms 10:1-11 in which the character and conduct of the wicked are graphically presented, and (2) Psalms 10:12-18 a fervent prayer for God to arise from his seeming indifference and "break the arm" of the wicked.

There is no superscription for this psalm, and that is cited as a support for the theory that it should be joined with Psalms 9. We discussed this possibility at the beginning of Psalms 9; but the two psalms "are radically different."[2]; Psalms 9 is a triumphant exultation and praise of God for the great victories he has awarded Israel, either actually, or prophetically promised, whereas Psalms 10 describes a situation of great social disorder. "Wickedness and violence are rampant and the righteous are sorely oppressed."[3]

Psalms 10:1-2

"Why standest thou afar off, O Jehovah?

Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

In the pride of the wicked the poor is hotly pursued

Let them be taken in the devices which they have conceived."

The psalmist here cannot mean that God is either far off or that he is hiding from the cry of the righteous, but merely that it seems so; for otherwise, he would never have cried out to God for his judgment and destruction of the gross wickedness cited in these first eleven verses.

Of all the things that God hates, pride stands very high on the list (Proverbs 6:17). It appears in this first verse that pride is the primary basis and cause of oppressing the poor.

The psalmist is here sorely grieved and distressed at the rampant wickedness that was bringing so much wretchedness, misery and sorrow to the poor and oppressed of the land; and his purpose is to bring the attention of God Himself to focus upon the shameful conduct of lawless men whose behavior cried out to God for vengeance against them.