Psalms 140:12

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.

I know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} will maintain {H6213} the cause {H1779} of the afflicted {H6041}, and the right {H4941} of the poor {H34}.

I know that ADONAI gives justice to the poor and maintains the rights of the needy.

I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.

I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And justice for the needy.

Psalms 140:12 (KJV): "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."

Context

Psalm 140 is a prayer of David crying out to God for deliverance from wicked and violent men who plot evil against him. The psalm is a lament, expressing the psalmist's distress and appealing to God's justice. In the verses preceding this one, David describes the malicious words and intentions of his enemies. Verse 12 comes as a declaration of faith and confidence amidst the trouble, expressing David's certainty in God's character and actions on behalf of the vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: The verse highlights God's role as a just judge who intervenes in human affairs.
  • God's Care for the Vulnerable: It specifically names the "afflicted" and the "poor" as recipients of God's special attention and defense.
  • Faith and Confidence: David's declaration, "I know," signifies his deep trust in God's faithfulness despite present suffering.
  • Vindication: The promise that the LORD will "maintain the cause" implies that God will defend the rights and bring justice to those who are wronged.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "maintain the cause" is diyn (דִּין), which means to judge, plead, defend, or govern. It carries the idea of actively intervening to settle a matter, especially in a legal or authoritative sense. The term "afflicted" (aniy - עָנִי) refers to those who are bowed down, humble, poor, or suffering distress. "Poor" (ebyon - אֶבְיוֹן) often denotes those who are needy, dependent, or lacking resources, frequently due to oppression or misfortune.

Commentary and Application

This powerful verse serves as an anchor of hope for those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or forgotten. David, himself facing powerful enemies, finds assurance in the unchanging character of God. He knows that the LORD does not ignore the cries of the suffering or the plight of those without power or resources. God actively takes up their case, defends their rights, and ensures that justice will ultimately prevail.

This truth is echoed throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's consistent concern for the weak and the oppressed. The Bible teaches that he who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. God is depicted as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (see Psalms 68:5). Psalms 140:12 is a declaration of faith in this aspect of God's nature.

For believers today, this verse offers comfort and encouragement when facing injustice or hardship. It reminds us that our struggles are seen by a just God who is actively involved in the world. It also challenges us to reflect God's heart by advocating for the afflicted and the poor in our own communities, trusting that God is with us in that work as He requires us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 9:4

    For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.

  • 1 Kings 8:49

    Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause,

  • Proverbs 23:10

    ¶ Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

  • Proverbs 23:11

    For their redeemer [is] mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

  • 1 Kings 8:45

    Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

  • Jeremiah 22:16

    He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.

  • Matthew 11:5

    The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

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