Psalms 109:10

Authorized King James Version

Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָנ֣וּעוּ

H5128

be continually

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

יָנ֣וּעוּ

H5128

be continually

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

בָנָ֣יו

H1121

Let his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְשִׁאֵ֑לוּ

H7592

and beg

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וְ֝דָרְשׁ֗וּ

H1875

let them seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

מֵחָרְבוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃

H2723

their bread also out of their desolate places

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?