Psalm 10 is one of 34 psalms that has no superscription in the MT, one of only 3 in Book 1 (the others in Book 1 are Psalms 1 and 2). In the LXX, there are 17 psalms with no superscription, and Psalms 9 and 10 are combined as Psalm 9.
Like Psalm 73, Psalm 10 deals with the question of the temporary success enjoyed by the wicked (see verses 2-11). When the wicked exploit others with seeming impunity, they may be emboldened to ramp up their bad behavior and mistake God's patience for indifference. They imagine that they will "not be moved" (v 6), something that is really only true for those who trust in God (Ps 15:5; 16:8; 125;1).
The wicked tend to use speech as a weapon. "His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" (v 7). Paul quotes this verse from the LXX in Rom 3:14 as part of a string of scriptures showing man's universal sinfulness. We shouldn't think of "the wicked" in this psalm as just someone other than us; we all have sinned.
The psalmist prays in vv 12-15 for God to intervene on behalf of those exploited by the wicked. He appeals to God's reputation (v 13) and righteous character (v 14) and prays a "thy kingdom come" prayer for the elimination of all evil (v 15). In verses 16-18, God's universal rule is affirmed. The success of the wicked is just a temporary phenomenon.
No comments:
Post a Comment