Psalms 10

Psalm 10#sn Psalm 10. Many Hebrew mss and the ancient Greek version (LXX) combine Psalms 9 and 10 into a single psalm. Taken in isolation, Psalm 10 is a petition for help in which the psalmist urges the Lord to deliver him from his dangerous enemies, whom he describes in vivid and terrifying detail. The psalmist concludes with confidence; he is certain that God’s justice will prevail.

1Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble?

2The wicked arrogantly chase the oppressed; the oppressed are trapped by the schemes the wicked have dreamed up.

3Yes, the wicked man boasts because he gets what he wants; the one who robs others curses and rejects the Lord.

4The wicked man is so arrogant he always thinks, “God won’t hold me accountable; he doesn’t care.”

5He is secure at all times. He has no regard for your commands; he disdains all his enemies.

6He says to himself, “I will never be upended, because I experience no calamity.”

7His mouth is full of curses and deceptive, harmful words; his tongue injures and destroys.

8He waits in ambush near the villages; in hidden places he kills the innocent. His eyes look for some unfortunate victim.

9He lies in ambush in a hidden place, like a lion in a thicket; he lies in ambush, waiting to catch the oppressed; he catches the oppressed by pulling in his net.

10His victims are crushed and beaten down; they are trapped in his sturdy nets.

11He says to himself, “God overlooks it; he does not pay attention; he never notices.”

12Rise up, Lord! O God, strike him down! Do not forget the oppressed!

13Why does the wicked man reject God? He says to himself, “You will not hold me accountable.”

14You have taken notice, for you always see one who inflicts pain and suffering. The unfortunate victim entrusts his cause to you; you deliver the fatherless.

15Break the arm of the wicked and evil man! Hold him accountable for his wicked deeds, which he thought you would not discover.

16The Lord rules forever! The nations are driven out of his land.

17Lord, you have heard the request of the oppressed; you make them feel secure because you listen to their prayer.

18You defend the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them.