Psalms 9:12
When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דֹרֵ֣שׁ
When he maketh inquisition
H1875
דֹרֵ֣שׁ
When he maketh inquisition
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
דָּ֭מִים
for blood
H1818
דָּ֭מִים
for blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
3 of 9
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
אוֹתָ֣ם
H853
אוֹתָ֣ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זָכָ֑ר
he remembereth
H2142
זָכָ֑ר
he remembereth
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Exodus 3:7And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;Psalms 34:6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.Revelation 16:6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.Genesis 9:5And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.Isaiah 26:21For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.Psalms 22:24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.Judges 10:16And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.Psalms 10:14Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.Psalms 10:17LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:Psalms 102:17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
Historical Context
Blood-guilt required avenging in Israel's legal system (Numbers 35). God's making inquisition for blood promised justice when human systems failed. The humble were often overlooked by earthly courts but never by God. This principle runs through Scripture - God as defender of the oppressed and powerless.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God remembers injustice affect how you respond to suffering?
- Are you humble enough to cry to God, or do you try to solve everything yourself?
Analysis & Commentary
God makes 'inquisition for blood' - He investigates and avenges injustice and murder. The Hebrew 'darash damim' (seeks blood) emphasizes God's commitment to justice for the oppressed. He 'remembereth them' and 'forgetteth not the cry of the humble.' This assures victims that God sees, records, and will address all injustice. The 'humble' (Hebrew 'anaw' - afflicted, meek) have God's special attention. This anticipates Christ's identification with the suffering and His promise of ultimate justice.