A Psalm of David, to be taught by use of stringed instruments.

“God, whom I praise,
Do not remain silent!”
“For they speak against me wickedly,
And make malicious accusations against me.”
“They repay me evil for good,
And hatred for my friendship.”
“Set a wicked man over him,
And let an accuser stand at his right hand.”
“When he is judged, let him come forth guilty,
And let his prayer become sin.”
“Let his days be few;
And let another take his office.”
“Let his children become fatherless
And his wife a widow.”
“Let his children wander and beg;
Let them seek substance far from their ruined homes.”
“Let the creditor seize all that he has;
And strangers plunder the fruit of his toil.”
“Let there be none to extend kindness to him,
Nor any to be gracious to his fatherless children.”
“Let his posterity be cut off;
In a generation in which his name is remembered may he be blotted out.”
“Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord,
And may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.”
“May their iniquity continually remain before the Lord,
That He may cut off memory of them from the earth.”
“Because he did not remember to show kindness,
But persecuted the afflicted and needy man,
And violently sought to slay the brokenhearted man.”
“He loved cursing—let it come to him;
He did not delight in blessing—let it be far from him.”
“He clothed himself with cursing as with a robe,
And wrapped himself with it like a belt.”
“May this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers,
And to those who speak evil against my life.”
“But You, O God the Lord, deal with me for Your name’s sake;
Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me.”
“For I am afflicted and needy
And my heart is wounded within me.”
“I fade away like the shadow when it declines;
I am shaken off like a locust.”
“My knees are weak through fasting;
My body is parched—it has become no more than skin and bones.”
“I have become a reproach to them;
When they see me, they shake their heads.”
“Help me, O Lord my God!
Save me by Your lovingkindness.”
“Let them know that this is Your hand;
You, O Lord, have done it.”
“They may curse, but You will bless;
When they arise, they may be ashamed,
But Your servant will rejoice.”
“Let my accusers be clothed with disgrace,
And let them surround themselves with their own confusion
As with a robe.”
“With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord,
And His praise will be on my tongue.”
“For He stands at the right hand of the needy,
To save him from those who judge his soul.”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 109 is an impassioned imprecatory lament, where David faces false accusations and injustice. Written in a season of deep betrayal, the psalm combines bold pleas for justice, righteous indignation, and earnest crying out for divine deliverance.

It is rooted in ancient Near Eastern poetic tradition and reflects a raw, honest wrestling with injustice in desperate circumstances.

Key Themes:

1. Heartfelt Cry Against Oppression: David shares painful betrayal by those he trusted (v. 2–5).
2. Plea for Divine Retribution: He prays for just consequences upon his enemies.
3. Expression of Deep Brokenness: David shares his physical and emotional exhaustion (v. 22–25).
4. Trust in God’s Compassion: Despite despair, he affirms God’s lovingkindness and asks for rescue (v. 26–31).
5. Commitment to Praise: He vows to give thanks abundantly when God acts (v. 30–31).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 109 does not encourage us to emulate its curses—it reflects painful lament in extreme injustice, showing us:

• It’s biblical to voice deep anguish and betrayal to God.
• Scripture provides space for expressing righteous anger before a just God.
• Even when our hearts are wracked with hurt, we can anchor in God’s steadfast mercy (v. 26).
• Healing begins when we acknowledge both our pain and God’s sovereignty.

Application

• Bring Your Pain Honestly to God: He knows your sorrow and injustice—cry out, like David did.
• Leave Ultimate Justice to the Lord: While you may feel anger, trust God to act justly in His timing.
• Cling to God’s Lovingkindness: In your anguish, remind yourself of His compassion and historic deliverance.
• Make Praise Your Response: Declare that when God vindicates you—even silently—you will respond in praise.
• Seek Restoration, Not Revenge: Pray for God to vindicate you, trusting in His holiness and mercy.

Closing Thought

Psalm 109 calls us into a sacred honesty with God—sharing our deepest wounds while resting in His faithful love. When justice feels far off, we turn to the One who sees, hears, and redeems.
“With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly… For He stands at the right hand of the needy.”