Psalm 10: Avenge Us!

Psalm 10 describes the enemies of God and asks Him to punish those troubling the faithful (vv. 1–11). Who has not asked a similar question when beset with difficulties and attacks from enemies? Proud enemies have surrounded the psalmist and have hatched covetous plans to cause his downfall (vv. 2, 3). They do not consider God in their plans.

It is as if He does not exist; even if God does exist, He is too far away to intervene or even take notice of what is going on (vv. 4–6, 11).

“Because of his success in evildoing, the wicked imagines that his success will continue so, and that he may carry on his nefarious work with impunity. Too often those who observe him think the same (see Job 12:6; Jer. 12:1). This is one of the great problems discussed by OT [Old Testament] writers.” These men and women are sly and deceitful (v. 7).

They tell falsehoods with impunity just to see how much trouble they can cause. They hide their true motives. They spread vicious gossip after calculating when it will do the utmost damage. They delight in harming innocents (v. 8).

They often pick the weakest of the flock to attack, knowing these cannot or will not defend themselves (vv. 9, 10). David had seen these behaviors acted out time and time again—as have those who have had dealings with unconverted professed believers.

In verses 12–18, David shifts from describing evildoers to asking God to destroy them and their works. The wicked think God has forgotten the upright (v. 11), but He has not forgotten His children (v. 12). Justice will be served in the final Judgment Day reckoning (v. 13). “The arrogant belief of the wicked man, who denies God’s observation of man’s evil ways, is stoutly denied by the psalmist [v. 14].” David would have God establish justice and free the humble from oppression (vv. 15–18). “Faith counts the thing as done.” “O Thou God of all, / Hear us when we call, / Help us, one and all, / By Thy grace.”