Psalms 112:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 112:10
10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Chapter Context
Psalms 112 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, faith, mercy. 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 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 112:10
10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Analysis
The wicked shall see it, and be grieved (רָשָׁע יִרְאֶה וְכָעָס, rasha yir'eh ve-kha'as)—Ka'as means be angry, grieved, vexed. He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away (שִׁנָּיו יַחֲרֹק וְנָמָס, shinnav yacharok ve-names)—Charaq means gnash, grind teeth in rage; masas means melt, dissolve, waste away. The desire of the wicked shall perish (תַּאֲוַת רְשָׁעִים תֹּאבֵד, ta'avat resha'im toved)—Ta'avah means desire, longing; abad means perish, be destroyed.
Psalm 112 describes the blessed life of those who fear the LORD. The wicked witness this blessing and respond with impotent rage—gnashing teeth signals furious frustration. While the righteous flourish (vv. 1-9), the wicked waste away watching. Their desires perish because they're built on sand. This contrasts Psalm 1: the righteous are like fruitful trees; the wicked like chaff blown away.
Historical Context
This psalm is an acrostic (like Psalm 111), following the Hebrew alphabet for teaching purposes. It reverses the problem of Psalm 37—there the righteous were troubled by wicked prosperity; here the wicked are troubled by righteous prosperity. Both affirm that God's moral order prevails ultimately.
Reflection
- When have you witnessed the wicked grieved by observing the righteous being blessed?
- What does "gnashing teeth" reveal about the spiritual state of those who reject God?
- How does the contrast between perishing desires (wicked) and fulfilled desires (righteous) challenge your priorities?
Cross-References
- Evil: Psalms 37:12, Proverbs 10:28, 11:7
- Parallel theme: Psalms 86:17, Luke 13:28