Psalms 109:16
Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
Original Language Analysis
יַ֗עַן
H3282
יַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֤ר׀
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
זָכַר֮
Because that he remembered
H2142
זָכַר֮
Because that he remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
עֲשׂ֪וֹת
not to shew
H6213
עֲשׂ֪וֹת
not to shew
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חָ֥סֶד
mercy
H2617
חָ֥סֶד
mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
6 of 13
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וַיִּרְדֹּ֡ף
but persecuted
H7291
וַיִּרְדֹּ֡ף
but persecuted
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
7 of 13
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אִישׁ
man
H376
אִישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Israelite law protected the poor, widow, orphan, and stranger with severe sanctions (Ex 22:22-24). Failure to show mercy violated the greatest commandment's second half (Lev 19:18). David's enemy committed not political opposition but covenant crimes warranting covenant curses.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's special protection of the broken-hearted inform His response to those who exploit them?
- What does "remembering to show mercy" suggest about mercy as a discipline requiring intentionality?
- How does James 1:27 challenge superficial religion divorced from advocacy for the vulnerable?
Analysis & Commentary
Because that he remembered not to shew mercy (יַעַן אֲשֶׁר לֹא זָכַר עֲשׂוֹת חָסֶד, ya'an asher lo zachar asot chased)—this verse grounds the preceding curses. The enemy לֹא זָכַר (lo zachar, "did not remember") to do חֶסֶד (chesed, covenant loyalty). But persecuted the poor and needy man (וַיִּרְדֹּף אִישׁ־עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן, vayirdof ish-ani ve'evyon)—the verb רָדַף (radaf, "pursue, persecute") depicts hunting. עָנִי (ani, "poor, afflicted") and אֶבְיוֹן (evyon, "needy, destitute") are God's specially protected classes. That he might even slay the broken in heart (וְנִכְאֵה לֵבָב לְמוֹתֵת, venich'eh levav lemottet)—to kill (מוּת, mut) the נִכְאֵה לֵבָב (nich'eh levav, "broken in heart").
This verse provides the moral justification for imprecation. The enemy didn't commit minor offenses—he hunted the vulnerable whom God loves. Psalm 34:18 promises "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart"; to slay such people is to attack God's beloved. James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for widows and orphans; the opposite—exploiting them—merits severe judgment. David himself was עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן during his fugitive years; this prayer may be partially autobiographical.