An Appeal For Vengeance
July 30, 2022
Commentary
Making an earnest cry for vengeance, the psalmist called on God to arise and take care of the helpless (v. 9). One reason for this request is that the wicked should not be allowed to despise God (v. 3) and to think he can get away with his actions.
The last half of this Psalm is a call to action. He calls on God to arise and help the helpless (v. 12). The wicked person despises God and says that he does not care (v. 13). However, God does hear what the ungodly say and does not approve of their pride and rebellion. The writer reminds the reader that God sees everything (v. 14). He sees the trouble of His people, feels their grief, and helps them in the right way in the right time. The wicked should not be allowed to think he can get away with his actions. He specifically requests that God punish the wicked (v. 15). The Lord will be king forever (v. 16).
This psalm closes with an expression of confidence that the writer’s prayer has been heard (vv. 17-18). His faith is in the fact that God defends the needy against the tyranny of the wicked. God sees and takes note of each evil deed, encourages us, and listens to our cries (v. 17). We never do things in secret because He is always with us. We can face the wicked because we do not face them alone. God is by our side. We can even bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them (v. 18).
Application
No matter what someone may do to me I should never seek vengeance. God sees everything and He will take care of everything in the right way at the right time. We never help the situation by trying to get even. Anytime I have ever tried to get even with someone who did something against me things only got worse. When God says. “Vengeance is mine” He means it and I need to let Him take care of it.
Psalms 10:12– 18 (NET)
12 Rise up, Lord! O God, strike him down. Do not forget the oppressed.
13 Why does the wicked man reject God? He says to himself, “You will not hold me accountable.”
14 You have taken notice, for you always see one who inflicts pain and suffering. The unfortunate victim entrusts his cause to you; you deliver the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man. Hold him accountable for his wicked deeds, which he thought you would not discover.
16 The Lord rules forever! The nations are driven out of his land.
17 Lord, you have heard the request of the oppressed; you make them feel secure because you listen to their prayer.
18 You defend the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them.