Psalms 109 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.109.1-31
The psalmist begins this lament with a general charge against his accusers: They do evil in return for good (109:1-5). At the end of the psalm, he turns to the Lord in prayer, asking for his protection (109:21-25) and vengeance (109:26-31).
Ps.109.1
The psalmist sees no evidence that God cares (see 28:1).
Ps.109.4-5
The psalmist’s acts of kindness and godliness (see 35:12-14) have only met with stubborn opposition and expressions of hatred.
Ps.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.
Ps.109.8-11
Family members of those guilty of capital crimes often died with the perpetrator (Num 16:1-33; Josh 7:1-25) or had their property confiscated (1 Kgs 21:13-16).
Ps.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).
Ps.109.13
If one’s family name was blotted out, it meant there was no offspring to carry on the family name or remember its history (see Prov 10:7).
Ps.109.14
Children inherit the sinful nature of their parents (51:5; Exod 20:5; Eph 2:3). The speaker wants the Lord to punish the perpetrator for the guilt of family members who went before him (cp. Matt 23:35-36).
Ps.109.16
The defendant committed capital crimes and did not exercise even basic decency.
Ps.109.18
Cursing is the accused person’s whole way of life.
Ps.109.20
The psalmist appeals to the principle of retribution (see 94:23).
Ps.109.21-25
Vulnerable and miserable, the psalmist appeals to his Lord for help. The accusations have killed his inner spirit and even his physical stamina.
Ps.109.21
The Lord’s reputation is at stake. If the wicked triumph, others could think that the Lord is also wicked and be drawn to that wickedness (1:1).
Ps.109.23
A shadow at dusk suggests a transitory, empty existence (102:11; 144:4); a single locust could easily be brushed off one’s clothing.
Ps.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.
Ps.109.28
The Lord’s servant demonstrates loyalty and obedience.
Ps.109.29
The psalmist had been accused of being clothed with curses (109:18); now he asks that his accusers be clothed with disgrace and humiliation.