FRAMING THE PSALMS: PSALM 10

FRAMING THE PSALMS: PSALM 10

Aids to introduce the psalms sung in worship.

John Brown of Haddington, 18th century Scottish theologian.

In this psalm of lamentation and woe, we have

(1.) David's mournful complaints of God's withdrawment of his gracious and comfortable presence, ver. 1.

(2.) His mournful and shocking representation of the wicked men, who persecuted him, during God's absence: They proudly gloried in themselves; they counteracted the laws, and contemned the judgments of God; they contradicted and defiled their opposers; they were malicious, treacherous, crafty, hypocritical, and atheistical persecutors, ver. 2-11.

(3.) His earnest supplications for relief to the people of God, attended with the firm faith of obtaining it, ver. 12-18.

While I sing these lines, ponder, O my soul, what a privilege it is to enjoy familiar fellowship with God! What abominations lie hid in an evil heart of unbelief! What a mercy, that the Lord hath withheld me from that outrage in wickedness, of which my corrupt nature is capable. Let all my views of sins and of judgments cause me to flee to Jesus for relief. If he prepare my heart to pray, he will surely grant my requests.

John Cumming, 19th century Scottish Presbyterian.

This Psalm teaches us, in the first verse, that the people of God have not, at all times, the full experience of his favour and nearness. For wise and merciful purposes, our God sometimes

stands "afar off" from us.

From verse 2 to 11 David describes the enmity and relentless cruelty of the enemies of God, and prays for their conviction, and next for the confusion of their wicked plans.

From verse 11 to 14 he intercedes for mercy and favour to the meek, the orphan, and the poor,and rejoices in the assurance that God will hear his prayers.

In the midst of abounding' iniquity and numerous enemies within and without, let us rejoice in the delightful truth conveyed in that text, " The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." The marks of the wicked are ever the same "boasting," " pride," " vain glory," "subtle cruelty," and such like. " Behold he prayeth " is still the characteristic of a regenerate man.

 David Dickson   Scottish Covenanter, 17th century

This Psalm wanteth an inscription, and that in God’s wisdom, that being less restricted to a particular man’s case, it may be of more general use, whensoever the godly find themselves in a condition whereunto this prayer may be suitable: and specially in time of general persecution.

The prophet here complaineth to God and craveth justice against the persecuters of his people, because of the intolerable wickedness of the oppressor, ver. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Secondly, he prayeth for hastening of the delivery of the Lords people, and for hastening of judgment upon the persecuters, for vindication of the glory of Gods justice against his enemies, and of his mercy to his people. Ver. 12, 13, 14, 15.

Thirdly, he professeth his confidence that he shall be

heard, and so glorifieth God, Ver. 16, 17, 18.