A Prayer For Help
May 14, 2020
Commentary
Does God hide (vv. 1-4)? At the very beginning the psalmist was not complaining, but simply asking God to hurry to his aid. Because it looks like the wicked may triumph, he asks the Lord two big questions.
1. “Why does God stand far off?” (v. 1a)
2. “Why does God hide himself in times of trouble?” (v.1b).
These questions are a bold expression of the true feelings of oppressed people who cry out for help. Even at times today it may seem as though God has hidden Himself and is unconcerned, especially when the enemy comes right into the church.
In these verses David explains the character of the oppressor. (vv. 2-7) He is full of pride (v. 2) and boasts, v. 3). The wicked person is confident, (v. 4), haughty, (v. 5), and has no room for God or God’s laws. Such a person is convinced that he cannot be moved from his wicked ways. He thinks he can continue undisturbed in his prosperity (v. 5) and happiness (v. 6). His words are deceitful and destructive (v.7). The wicked as lurking (lies in wait occurs three times in vv. 8–9) in secret places like a lion who attacks his helpless victims (vv. 10-11), and to drag them off as a fisherman does when his net collapses. The righteous are crushed by the wicked and they fall under the weight of his power. Since God may not immediately rescue them, the wicked person is convinced that God does not care for or see the righteous.
Application
Do I ever feel like God is far off and not concerned about my situation? I need to remember that God is always concernedand waiting for the right time to accomplish His purpose.
Psalms 10:1– 11 (NET)
1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble?
2 The wicked arrogantly chase the oppressed; the oppressed are trapped by the schemes the wicked have dreamed up.
3 Yes, the wicked man boasts because he gets what he wants; the one who robs others curses and rejects the Lord.
4 The wicked man is so arrogant he always thinks, “God won’t hold me accountable; he doesn’t care.”
5 He is secure at all times. He has no regard for your commands; he disdains all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “I will never be shaken, because I experience no calamity.”
7 His mouth is full of curses and deceptive, harmful words; his tongue injures and destroys.
8 He waits in ambush near the villages; in hidden places he kills the innocent. His eyes look for some unfortunate victim.
9 He lies in ambush in a hidden place, like a lion in a thicket. He lies in ambush, waiting to catch the oppressed; he catches the oppressed by pulling in his net.
10 His victims are crushed and beaten down; they are trapped in his sturdy nets.
11 He says to himself, “God overlooks it; he does not pay attention; he never notices.”