Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 10

This psalm is a cry of frustration to the LORD about the wicked – their vile speech and oppressive actions – and the apparent success of their schemes.

1-2: Questions to the LORD

3-7: The words of the wicked

8-11: The works of the wicked

12-15: Plea to the LORD for justice

16-18: Praise to the LORD for answers

The psalm opens with a question to the LORD: “Why do you stand afar off and do nothing while the wicked prevail?”

He elaborates on the thoughts, words, and actions of the wicked, driven by pride against God and reflected by unjust and ungodly behaviour against other humans.

He then pleads for the Lord to intervene and overthrow the wicked and deliver their prey (the innocent and helpless victims).

The psalm concludes with praise to God for listening to the lowly of heart and for their anticipated deliverance from the hand of the wicked.

This psalm is an outpouring of the psalmist’s emotions to God without losing faith in God’s attentiveness or ability to deliver. We can be honest with God about what we see and how we feel while trusting that He can hear us and He will deliver us.