Psalms 109:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 109:6
6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
Chapter Context
Psalms 109 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, prayer. 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 109:6
6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
Analysis
Set thou a wicked man over him (הַפְקֵד עָלָיו רָשָׁע, hafked alav rasha)—the verb פָּקַד (paqad) means "appoint, set in authority." David prays for poetic justice: let the wicked experience wickedness. And let Satan stand at his right hand (וְשָׂטָן יַעֲמֹד עַל־יְמִינוֹ, vesatan ya'amod al-yemino)—this is the only use of שָׂטָן (satan) in the Psalms, meaning "adversary" or "accuser." The right hand is the position of power and advocacy (Ps 16:8; 110:5); David prays the accuser stands there instead of a defender.
Scholars debate whether שָׂטָן is the proper name (Satan) or merely "an adversary." Zechariah 3:1 shows Satan standing at the right hand to accuse Joshua the high priest—identical imagery. Either way, David prays his enemy faces the accusation he inflicted on the innocent. Peter's application to Judas (Acts 1:20, citing v. 8) confirms messianic overtones. Judas had Satan enter him (John 13:27); he became Satan's instrument and thus warranted Satan's own judgment.
Historical Context
In ancient Israelite jurisprudence, the accuser stood at the defendant's right hand in court. David prays his enemy faces trial without defense—experiencing the very judicial isolation he imposed on David through false testimony.
Reflection
- How does the principle of measure-for-measure justice (evil returned to its source) reflect God's righteousness?
- What does it mean that those who serve Satan's purposes may ultimately face Satan's own condemnation?
- How do we pray for justice without usurping God's role as judge, following David's model of appeal to divine tribunal?
Cross-References
- Evil: John 13:2
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 3:1, Matthew 5:25, 27:4