Psalms 10:12

Authorized King James Version

Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קוּמָ֤ה

H6965

Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵ֭ל

H410

O God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

נְשָׂ֣א

H5375

lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

יָדֶ֑ךָ

H3027

thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח

H7911

forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

עֲנָיִֽים׃

H6035

not the humble

depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?