109:1
The psalmist finds no evidence that God cares (see Psalm 28:1).
Study notes
Psalms 109
109:1–31
The psalmist starts this lament by accusing his accusers of repaying good with evil (Psalm 109:1–5). At the end of the psalm, he prays to the Lord, seeking protection (Psalm 109:21–25) and vengeance (109:26–31).
109:4–5
The psalmist shows kindness and godliness (see Psalm 35:12–14), but faces stubborn opposition and 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
The wicked person apparently held a position of leadership. Peter referred to this psalm in regard to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20–26).
109:8–11
Family members of people guilty of capital crimes sometimes died with the offender (Numbers 16:1–33; Joshua 7:1–25) or had their property taken away (1 Kings 21:13–16).
109:13
If one’s family name was blotted out, it meant there was no offspring to continue the family name or remember its history (see Proverbs 10:7).
109:14
Children share in the sinful condition of their parents (Psalm 51:5; Exodus 20:5; Ephesians 2:3). The speaker asks the Lord to punish this guilty person also for the sins of his family who lived before him (compare Matthew 23:35–36).
109:16
The defendant committed very serious crimes that carried the death penalty and did not show even basic decency.
109:18
Cursing is the accused person’s whole way of life.
109:20
The psalmist asks God to act fairly and give people what they deserve (see Psalm 94:23).
109:21
The Lord's reputation is important. If the wicked win, people might think the Lord is also wicked and be tempted to act wickedly (Psalm 1:1).
109:21–25
Feeling vulnerable and miserable, the psalmist asks his Lord for help. The accusations have crushed his spirit and drained his physical strength.
109:23
A lengthening shadow suggests a temporary, empty life (Psalms 102:11; 144:4). A single locust can be easily brushed off 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 was accused of being clothed with disgrace (Psalm 109:18). Now, he asks that his accusers wear their shame like a piece of clothing.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources