Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 10

The Character of the Wicked; The Character of PersecutorsThis section describes how David reacts to times when evil people seem to win. He is upset that God seems far away during trouble and is deeply troubled by the evil actions of the wicked. David gives a detailed picture of proud and cruel people, showing their attitudes and what they do to others. He also reminds us that even when it looks like God is silent, He will act in His time. When we read this psalm, we should feel both sadness for those who suffer and anger at injustice, but also trust that God will make things right.v. 1: David honestly asks God, Why do You stand afar off, O Lord

v. 2: David sees the wicked attacking the poor. He says, The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor . Pride makes people want to rule over others and hurt those who do not agree with them. David quickly adds a prayer: Let them be caught in the schemes they have devised (Psalm 10:2 ). God hates pride and will make sure the wicked fall into their own traps.

v. 3: Proud people brag about their success and their evil plans. For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord

v. 4: The wicked do not think about God at all. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts . Their pride makes them believe they do not need God. They make many plans, but never pray or look for God’s help (Job 35:10; Jeremiah 2:6 ). Pride makes them feel like religion is for weak people.

v. 5: The wicked do whatever they want, ignoring God’s laws and warnings. His ways are always prospering; Your judgments are far above, out of his sight . He does not care about what God commands or threatens. He acts as if God is too far away to matter, and thinks God’s judgment is not real or important.

v. 6: The wicked feel safe and think nothing bad will happen to them. He has said in his heart, "I shall not be moved; I shall never be in adversity" . Like Babylon, he thinks his good times will last forever (Isaiah 47:7; Revelation 18:7 ). But this false confidence often comes before a fall.

v. 7: These people use their words to hurt others. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression . Even when they cannot hurt someone in action, they use cruel and dishonest language. Their mouths show the hate in their hearts (Proverbs 26:26 ).

v. 8: The wicked make secret plans to hurt innocent people. He sits in the lurking places of the villages; in the secret places he murders the innocent; his eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless . Like a robber waiting for travelers, or a hunter waiting for prey, he tries to catch people who cannot defend themselves.

v. 9: He is like a lion hiding and waiting to attack. He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws him into his net . The wicked especially go after God’s people, because they hate God and those who belong to Him.

v. 10: The wicked sometimes pretend to be humble to trick others. He crouches; he bows down, and the helpless fall by his might . They act kind and gentle, but it is only to get what they want. Like Saul chasing David, they will do anything, even pretend to be good, to achieve their goals.

v. 11: Finally, these people act as if God does not see or care. He has said in his heart, "God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see" . They think God will not punish them for their evil actions (Ezekiel 8:12; 9:9 ). This is a terrible insult to God’s knowledge, holiness, and justice. But those who trust God can have hope—He will see, and He will act to help them in the right time.As we read or sing this psalm, let us care for those who suffer, hate evil, and trust that God will bring justice in His perfect timing.

Prayer against PersecutorsIn this section, David turns to God after describing the evil acts of oppressors. He prays for God to act and defend those who suffer. David asks God to show His justice and power, to remember the humble, and to stop the wicked. He trusts that God has seen all the harm done and will help those who depend on Him. David also remembers how God has helped His people before and believes that God will do so again. He encourages all who suffer to put their hope in God, who rules forever and listens to the cries of the helpless.v. 12: David prays, Arise, O Lord

v. 13: David wonders why the wicked insult God. Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, "You will not require an account" . The wicked think God will never judge them. This is a great insult to God, but David is sure that the day of judgment will come.

v. 14: David says, But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless . Even if oppressors think God does not notice, He does. God sees every act of evil and will pay it back. Those who suffer trust God to help them, especially those with no one else to help.

v. 15: David asks God to break the power of the wicked. Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; seek out his wickedness until You find none . This means to stop the oppressors from hurting others and to make sure all their evil is punished and ended. God sometimes takes away the power of evil people so they cannot harm others (Job 34:30; Daniel 7:12 ).

v. 16: David remembers that God is King forever. The Lord

v. 17: David trusts that God hears the prayers of the humble. Lord

v. 18: David is confident that God will bring justice for the oppressed. To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more (Psalm 10:18 ). God will defend those who cannot defend themselves. He will stop the powerful from abusing the weak. The greatest oppressor is still just a man, while God is eternal and all-powerful (Isaiah 51:12; Revelation 20:3 ).As we read or sing these verses (Psalm 10:12–18 ), we should place our hope in God, commit our troubles to Him, and trust that He will defend what is right and bring justice in His perfect time.