Psalms 109:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 109:16
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.
Chapter Context
Psalms 109 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, faith. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 109:16
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Mercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim) H2617 - Compassion, mercy
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 34:18