Psalms 109:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 109:17
17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
Chapter Context
Psalms 109 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, obedience, judgment. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 109:17
17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
Analysis
As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him (וַיֶּאֱהַב קְלָלָה וַתְּבוֹאֵהוּ, vaye'ehav kelalah vattevo'ehu)—he אָהַב (ahav, "loved") קְלָלָה (kelalah, "cursing"), so it comes upon him. As he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him (וְלֹא־חָפֵץ בִּבְרָכָה וַתִּרְחַק מִמֶּנּוּ, velo-chafets bivrachah vattirchak mimenu)—he had no pleasure (חָפֵץ, chafets) in בְּרָכָה (berachah, "blessing"), so it distances itself.
This is the lex talionis (law of retaliation) in spiritual terms: you receive what you love. Proverbs 26:2 states "the curse causeless shall not come," but a curse loved returns to its sender. Balaam learned this—hired to curse Israel, his curses became blessings (Num 23:11); ultimately he died in judgment (Num 31:8). The principle appears throughout Scripture: those who curse God's people curse themselves (Gen 12:3). Galatians 6:7 summarizes: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." David doesn't create new judgment; he asks God to return the enemy's own wickedness upon his head.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures took blessings and curses with utmost seriousness. Treaty curses invoked gods to enforce oaths. David's enemy weaponized cursing against the anointed; thus his curses boomerang as divine justice.
Reflection
- How does the principle "you reap what you sow" apply to your words, attitudes, and heart orientation?
- What does it mean to "love cursing" versus "delight in blessing"—how do these orientations shape destiny?
- How can you cultivate a heart that delights in blessing others, knowing blessing returns to the blesser (Gen 12:3)?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:14, Ezekiel 35:6, Matthew 7:2, Revelation 16:6