Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The psalmist proclaims his innocence and asks God to punish his enemies severely.
II. Photo
The psalmist curses his enemies: “My accusers shall be clothed in shame, wrapped in their disgrace as in a robe!” (v. 29)
III. Select Verses
2-5: The wicked and the deceitful open their mouth against me; they speak to me with lying tongue. They encircle me with words of hate; they attack me without cause. They answer my love with accusation and I must stand judgment. They repay me with evil for good, with hatred for my love.
8-13: May his days be few; may another take over his position. May his children be orphans, his wife a widow. May his children wander from their hovels, begging in search of [bread]. May his creditor seize all his possessions; may strangers plunder his wealth. May no one show him mercy; may none pity his orphans; may his posterity be cut off; may their names be blotted out in the next generation
14: May God be ever mindful of his father’s iniquity, and may the sin of his mother not be blotted out.
17: He loved to curse — may a curse come upon him! He would not bless — may blessing be far from him!
IV. Outline
1a. Superscription
1b. Invocation, initial plea
2-5. Rationale, Complaint, Proclamation of innocence
6-20. Imprecation, Rationale
21. Petition
22-25. Rationale, Complaint
26-27. Petition, Rationale
28-29. Hope / Imprecation
30-31. Vow, Rationale
V. Comment
Psalm 109 has been labeled by many a “curse psalm.” Indeed, verses 6-20 contain some of the harshest imprecations in the entire psalter:
- vv. 8-10: May his days be few; may another take over his position. May his children be orphans, his wife a widow. May his children wander from their hovels, begging in search of [bread].
- vv. 12-13: May no one show him mercy; may none pity his orphans; may his posterity be cut off; may their names be blotted out in the next generation.
- v. 17: He loved to curse — may a curse come upon him! He would not bless — may blessing be far from him!
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Gerstenberger, Erhard. Psalms Part 2 and Lamentations (Forms of Old Testament Literature; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001).
Photo copied from http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZARGQgleAk/TSG8566jh-I/AAAAAAAAAa8/AllLjxACU_8/s1600/dark-hood-05.jpg
