Another morning, another opportunity for anxiety so let's 'hit the Torah'. Since my Hebrew Bible Study App does daily Psalms, today it chose Psalm 10. And yet again, its another opportunity for me to be thoroughly confused by 18 lines. Skip below though for the Psalm in layman's terms.
Psalm 10
1O Lord, why do You stand from afar? [Why do] You hide in times of distress?
2With the haughtiness of the wicked man, he pursues the poor man. They are caught in the plots that they have devised.
3For the wicked man boasts about the desire of his soul, and the robber congratulates himself for having blasphemed the Lord.
4A wicked man at the height of his anger; "He will not seek; there is no God," [say] all his thoughts.
5His ways prosper at all times; Your judgments are far removed from him. All his adversaries-he blows at them.
6He says to himself, "I will not fall; for all generations I will not be in adversity."
7His mouth is full of oaths and deceits and guile; under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.
8He sits in the lurking-places of the villages; in hidden places he slays the innocent; his eyes spy on Your army.
9He lurks in a hidden place; like a lion in his den, he lurks to seize a poor man; he seizes a poor man when he draws his net.
10He crouches, he bows down, and an army of broken people shall fall by his signals.
11He says in his heart, "God has forgotten; He has hidden His face, He never sees."
12Arise, O Lord God, lift up Your hand; do not forget the humble.
13Why did a wicked man blaspheme God? He said in his heart that You do not seek.
14You saw, for You look at mischief and provocation to give with Your power; upon You Your army leaves [its burden]; You would help the orphan.
15Break the arm of the wicked, but as for the evil one-You will seek his wickedness and not find [it].
16The Lord is King forever and ever; nations perish from His land.
17You shall hear the desire of the humble, O Lord; may You prepare their heart, may Your ear hearken.
18To judge the orphan and the crushed one, that he no longer continue to break the weak from the earth.
Oh boy- Let's break it down.
Psalm 10 is a beautiful and powerful expression of the psalmist's cry to G-d in times of trouble and confusion. It begins with a deeply contemplative question, "Why O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1) (honestly, ballsy statement).
The request reflects on the presence of evil and injustice in the world and describes the actions of the wicked and their arrogant belief that they can oppress the weak without consequence. It is a lamentation that raises questions about the seeming absence of G-d's intervention in such situations (again, how ballsy. G-d is very busy).
As the psalm progresses, the focus shifts and we acknowledge the power and sovereignty of G-d, recognizing that even though it may appear that the wicked prevail, G-d sees it all and will ultimately bring about justice. The psalmist seeks comfort and reassurance, praying for G-d's intervention and. the downfall of the wicked. And express the hope that G-d will hear the prayers of the oppressed, the orphans, and the afflicted.
Psalm 10 then concludes with words of trust and confidence, affirming that G-d is King forever and will defend the cause of the humble and weak. The psalmist acknowledges that the Lord listens to their prayers and, in due time, will execute justice.
This psalm teaches us to turn to G-d in times of distress, expressing our deepest concerns and doubts. It reminds us that even in the face of evil and injustice, G-d is aware and will bring justice and comfort.
When is Psalm 10 helpful?
When grappling with the presence of evil. Psalm 10 reflects on existence of wickedness and injustice in the world. Reading and meditating on this psalm can be helpful when trying to make sense of the evil that may be happening around us or questioning why G-d allows it.
When feelings abandoned or distant in your spiritual journey. The opening verse of Psalm 10 expresses a feeling of G-d being far away of hiding during times of trouble. Psalm 10 can be comforting for those who feel distant from G-d, reminding us that we can turn to Him in prayer and that He ultimately sees and hears our cries.
When seeking justice and deliverance. Psalm 10 pleads for G-d to rise up against the wicked and bring justice. It can be helpful for those who are suffering injustice or oppression, offering them hope and reinforcing their trust that G-d is aware and will intervene on their behalf.
When praying for the vulnerable and oppressed. Psalm 10 is also a cry for G-d's help and protection for the marginalized, fatherless, and the oppressed. It can be meaningful to read this psalm when interceding on behalf of those who are in challenging circumstances, offering empathy, support, and a prayerful response.
Ultimately, Psalm 10 can be a source of comfort, guidance, and spiritual solace for those facing difficult circumstances, guiding them to turn to G-d with their concerns and trusting in His ultimate justice and compassion.
As mentioned in the previous psalm blog (Psalm 7- Explained), dive into the richness of the Book of Psalms and discover the many ways it speaks to the human experience and our relationship with G-d.
The Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms, also known as Tehillim in Hebrew, is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible called the Ketuvim or Writings. It is a collection 150 poetic hymns and prayers attributed to various authors, including Kind David. The Book of Psalms is an integral part of the overall Jewish biblical canon and is considered to be one of the most important books of Hebrew poetry and spirituality.
If you choose to incorporate the daily recitation of Psalms into your spiritual practice, you may find it beneficial to explore different Psalms based on your personal needs or current circumstances.
And remember that whatever you gave the day today, it was your best, and that's enough.
-N
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