(The Lord speaking is red text)
For I [am] poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
For I am poor and needy, and my heart within me is wounded.
For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me.
For I am poor and needy, And my heart is wounded within me.
For I am poor{H6041} and needy{H34}, and my heart{H3820} is wounded{H2490} within{H7130} me.
Psalm 109:22 is part of a longer psalm traditionally attributed to King David, although the actual author is not definitively known. This particular verse falls within a section of the psalm that expresses deep personal anguish and suffering. The psalmist is crying out to God in a time of great distress, feeling both physically and emotionally afflicted.
The themes of this verse include the vulnerability and desperation of the psalmist. He describes himself as "poor and needy," indicating not only material poverty but also a profound sense of spiritual and emotional destitution. The phrase "my heart is wounded within me" suggests internal pain, possibly due to the betrayal or malice of enemies, as the broader context of Psalm 109 deals with unjust suffering and the desire for divine retribution against those who have wronged the psalmist.
Historically, this psalm is part of the genre of lament psalms, which were common in the ancient Near East. These laments served as a way for individuals to bring their complaints and petitions before God, often in the context of temple worship. The honest and raw expression of pain and the appeal for God's intervention reflect the psalmist's deep trust in God's justice and mercy, despite the harsh realities he faces.
In summary, Psalm 109:22 captures the psalmist's profound sense of personal anguish and neediness, with a heart that is internally wounded, likely due to the actions of adversaries. It reflects the broader themes of lament and trust in God's ultimate justice, common to the book of Psalms, and it serves as a powerful example of the personal relationship between the faithful and God in times of deep distress.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)