Psalms 109:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 109:28
28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
Chapter Context
Psalms 109 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, love, sacrifice. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 109:28
28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
Analysis
Let them curse, but bless thou (יְקַלְלוּ־הֵמָּה וְאַתָּה תְבָרֵךְ, yekallelu-hemmah ve-attah tevarekh)—Kalal means curse; barakh means bless. When they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice (קָמוּ וַיֵּבֹשׁוּ וְעַבְדְּךָ יִשְׂמָח, kamu vayyevoshu ve-avdkha yismach)—Bosh means be ashamed, put to shame; samach means rejoice, be glad.
David contrasts human cursing with divine blessing. When enemies curse, it's impotent; when God blesses, it's effective. This recalls Balaam's inability to curse Israel: "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?" (Numbers 23:8). Their rising up ends in shame; God's servant ends in joy. This principle is visible throughout Scripture—Pharaoh cursed Israel but was destroyed; Haman cursed Mordecai but was hanged. God's blessing outweighs all human cursing.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures took cursing seriously, believing words had power. Israel understood that only God's words carry ultimate power—human curses against those God blesses are futile. Jesus taught this in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you... Rejoice, and be exceeding glad" (Matthew 5:11-12).
Reflection
- How do you respond when people curse, slander, or wish evil upon you?
- What does it mean practically to trust God's blessing more than fearing human curses?
- How does Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5:11-12 transform this verse for Christians?
Cross-References
- Blessing: Psalms 109:17, Numbers 22:12, 23:20
- Parallel theme: John 16:22, Hebrews 12:2