Psalms 9:18
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The plight of the poor was a constant concern in ancient societies with no social safety nets. Without family support, the poor could die of starvation, exposure, or violence. Israel's law provided some protections (gleaning rights, Sabbath rest, Year of Jubilee), but these were often ignored by the powerful (Amos 2:6-7, 5:11-12; Isaiah 3:14-15, 10:1-2).
The prophets consistently championed the cause of the poor, declaring that God has not forgotten them even when human society has. Isaiah promised: "The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 29:19). Zephaniah declared that God would "leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD" (Zephaniah 3:12).
Jesus' ministry embodied this principle. He announced that He came to "preach the gospel to the poor" (Luke 4:18), blessed the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3), and declared that the kingdom belongs to such (Luke 6:20). James later rebuked the church for dishonoring the poor (James 2:5-6). The consistent biblical witness is that God has special concern for the economically and socially marginalized, and their hope will not ultimately be disappointed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise that the needy will 'not always be forgotten' provide hope during present suffering?
- What is the 'expectation' or hope of the poor, and why is this hope secure despite circumstances?
- How does this verse balance realism about present injustice with confidence in ultimate justice?
- What responsibility does the church have to be the visible expression of God's remembering the needy?
Analysis & Commentary
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Immediately after declaring judgment on the wicked (verse 17), David balances divine justice with divine mercy. God's judgment on the oppressor ensures that the oppressed will not be permanently forgotten. This verse provides eschatological hope for those who suffer.
"The needy shall not alway be forgotten" (ki lo lanetzach yishakach evyon, כִּי לֹא לָנֶצַח יִשָּׁכַח אֶבְיוֹן) addresses the evyon (needy, destitute, poor)—those in desperate want with no resources. "Shall not alway be forgotten" uses shakach (to forget) negated with lanetzach (forever, perpetually). While the needy may feel forgotten temporarily, this is not their permanent state. God's justice ensures that their cause will eventually be remembered and vindicated.
"The expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever" (tiqvat aniyyim tovad la'ad, תִּקְוַת עֲנִיִּים תֹּבַד לָעַד) parallels and intensifies the first clause. Tiqvah (expectation, hope) represents not mere wishful thinking but confident anticipation based on God's promises. Aniyyim (poor, afflicted, humble) describes those who are economically disadvantaged and socially marginalized. "Shall not perish" (tovad, תֹּבַד) means it will not be destroyed, lost, or come to nothing. La'ad (forever, perpetually) reinforces lanetzach—this is an eternal promise.
The verse functions as divine reassurance to the suffering. While injustice may prevail temporarily, while the wicked may prosper for a season, while the poor may suffer now, their hope is not in vain. God sees, remembers, and will act. The double negative ("not always," "not forever") acknowledges present suffering while promising future vindication. This sustains faith during prolonged trials.