MDB 67: Psalm 10

"Why?" is a question that only humans ask. There is something in the way God made us that requires us to understand, or seek understanding, for the course of our lives. A God-given sense of justice drives us to demand truth and righteousness in the end.  Psalm 10 is a timeless record of one person's suffering, and the resolution that comes through faith.

The complaint of the sufferer is seen in verse one. The LORD seems to hide himself in times of our trouble! Especially the trouble brought on by injustice!

The arrogance of the wicked is set forth in verses 2-11. Notice the inner thoughts laid bare by the Word of God: the wicked denies the reality of God, "there is no God" (v.4), then acts like God, "I shall not be moved" (v.6), pretends God does not see, "God has forgotten" (v.11), and that God will not judge, "You will not call to account" (v.13). This deep-seated unbelief is at the root of his pride and vicious behavior against the innocent.  He "strikes terror"(v.18) into the hearts of the oppressed. Few things in life are as difficult to bear as the pain of unjust suffering.

When there is nowhere else for us to turn, we turn to God. In verses 12-15, the sufferer lifts us his voice, calling on the Lord to remember him, to rescue him, to avenge him. There is nothing wrong with calling for justice, if we leave it up to the Judge. The best way to understand the "imprecatory psalms" is as the divine method of praying for justice. Rather than seeking our own vengeance, we are instructed in passages such as this to call on God to avenge us.

The psalm ends with a confident affirmation of the Lord as sovereign over all, who hears the prayer of his people, who strengthens their hearts in the midst of trials, and who vindicates them in the end.

Whatever trials you are undergoing today, put your trust in the Lord! He will save!