Psalms 10:1

KJV

¶ Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble?

KJV (with Strong's)

Why standest {H5975} thou afar off {H7350}, O LORD {H3068}? why hidest {H5956} thou thyself in times {H6256} of trouble {H6869}?

Complete Jewish Bible

hy, ADONAI, do you stand at a distance? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Berean Standard Bible

Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?

American Standard Version

Why standest thou afar off, O Jehovah? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 10:1 opens with a profound and emotionally charged lament from the psalmist, expressing a deep sense of God's perceived distance and hiddenness amidst a time of intense trouble and rampant oppression. This verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theme: a desperate cry for divine intervention and justice when God's active presence seems conspicuously absent as the wicked prevail. It articulates a universal human experience of wrestling with God's apparent silence or inaction in the face of profound suffering, yet it is voiced within the framework of an unwavering, albeit questioning, faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 10 functions as a passionate individual lament, often viewed as a direct thematic and structural continuation of [Psalm 9](/psalms/9 "Psalm 9 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving and Judgment"), with some ancient manuscripts even presenting them as a single psalm. While [Psalm 9](/psalms/9 "Psalm 9 - God's Justice and Deliverance") celebrates God's righteous judgment and deliverance, [Psalm 10](/psalms/10 "Psalm 10 - A Cry for Justice Against the Wicked") abruptly shifts to the distressing contemporary reality where God's justice appears to be withheld. The opening verse, "Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble?", immediately plunges the reader into the psalmist's profound distress and sense of divine abandonment. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 10:2-11](/psalms/10-2-11 "Psalms 10:2-11 - Description of the Wicked Oppressor")) vividly detail the arrogance, self-sufficiency, and ruthless actions of the wicked, intensifying the urgency and poignancy of the psalmist's plea for God's intervention. The psalm progresses from questioning God's perceived absence to a detailed indictment of the oppressor, culminating in a renewed plea for God to act and a powerful declaration of trust in His ultimate reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop for [Psalm 10](/psalms/10 "Psalm 10 - The Oppression of the Wicked") is the pervasive reality of social injustice and oppression prevalent within ancient Israelite society. While the psalm does not reference a specific historical event, it powerfully reflects a common experience where the powerful and wicked exploited the vulnerable, the poor, and the helpless (e.g., [Psalms 10:8-9](/psalms/10-8-9 "Psalms 10:8-9 - The Wicked Lie in Wait")). In a culture where God was understood to be actively involved in the affairs of His people and deeply committed to upholding justice, His perceived inaction or hiddenness during such widespread suffering was profoundly perplexing and distressing. The psalmist's lament is not a denial of God's existence or power but an expression of deep disorientation when divine intervention, which was expected given God's covenantal promises to protect the oppressed, seemed delayed or absent. This cultural expectation of divine justice and retribution against evildoers underscores the intensity and raw honesty of the psalmist's cry.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully articulated in [Psalms 10:1](/psalms/10-1 "Psalms 10:1 - The Psalmist's Lament of Perceived Abandonment") is the **Divine Apparent Absence**. The psalmist grapples with the perplexing feeling that God is distant, unresponsive, or seemingly indifferent to the suffering of His people, particularly in the face of rampant injustice. This is not a theological denial of God's omnipresence or sovereignty, but a raw, honest questioning of His immediate, active involvement in a world rife with evil. Closely related is **The Cry of the Oppressed**, where the verse vocalizes the deep distress of those who are victims of evil and injustice, highlighting their desperate need for divine intervention and protection. Finally, the psalm exemplifies **Honest Lament**, demonstrating the biblical allowance for expressing raw, unvarnished emotions and profound questions directly to God, even questioning His perceived hiddenness during adversity. This honest outpouring of the heart, even in moments of doubt, is a legitimate and vital form of prayer in the biblical tradition, as seen in other profound laments like [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - A Cry of Despair and Trust").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068. This is the covenantal name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with Israel. The psalmist's direct address to "O LORD" highlights the depth of his personal relationship with God and the profound paradox of His perceived distance. It is precisely because of who Yahweh is—the faithful, covenant-keeping God—that His apparent absence is so agonizing and perplexing.
* **afar off (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** From H7350. Translated as "remote" or "distant," this word conveys more than mere physical separation. It implies a sense of emotional, relational, or active remoteness. The psalmist feels that God has withdrawn His presence, His attention, or His active intervention from the immediate situation. It suggests a perceived abandonment or disengagement, intensifying the feeling of vulnerability in the face of overwhelming trouble.
* **hidest (Hebrew, _ʻâlam'_):** From H5956. This primitive root means "to veil from sight," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." In this context, it suggests an intentional act of concealment or a mysterious absence. The psalmist perceives God as deliberately making Himself inaccessible or ignoring the plight of His people. This "hiddenness" is particularly distressing because it occurs "in times of trouble," when God's presence and help are most desperately needed and expected.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why standest thou afar off, O LORD?":** This is a direct, impassioned rhetorical question addressed to the covenant God. The psalmist is not questioning God's existence or power, but His perceived posture and proximity. The verb "standest" (H5975, _ʻâmad_) implies a deliberate, fixed position, suggesting that God has chosen to remain distant. The question expresses profound bewilderment and distress, as the psalmist expects God to be near, actively engaged, and protective, especially given His covenantal relationship with His people. The phrase "afar off" (H7350, _râchôwq_) signifies a painful sense of abandonment and neglect during a critical period of suffering.
* **"[why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble?":** This second rhetorical question reiterates and intensifies the first, deepening the sense of divine mystery and perceived abandonment. The phrase "hidest thou thyself" (H5956, _ʻâlam_) suggests an active, intentional withdrawal or concealment on God's part, rather than mere passivity. The specific context of "times of trouble" (H6256, _ʻêth_ of H6869, _tsârâh_, meaning distress, anguish, affliction) underscores the urgency and depth of the psalmist's suffering. It is precisely when help is most desperately needed that God seems to have vanished, leaving the oppressed vulnerable to the wicked. This question highlights the profound tension between God's promised presence and the painful reality of His perceived absence in the face of overwhelming evil.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 10:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the psalmist's profound anguish and confusion. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, repeated twice ("Why standest thou afar off...?", "[why] hidest thou [thyself]?"). These are not questions seeking information, but rather expressions of deep distress, confusion, and protest, designed to emphasize the psalmist's feeling of abandonment and to implore God to respond. The verse also utilizes **Anthropomorphism** (a form of **Personification**), attributing human actions and postures (standing afar off, hiding oneself) to God, making His perceived absence more vivid, relatable, and painful. This anthropomorphic language underscores the psalmist's personal relationship with God and the pain of feeling ignored by a divine Father figure. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Lament/Invocation**, setting the tone for the entire psalm as a direct, passionate appeal to God from a place of suffering and perceived injustice. The direct address "O LORD" (יהוה, YHWH) indicates a personal, covenantal relationship, making the perceived distance all the more agonizing and perplexing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 10:1 introduces a profound theological tension: the objective reality of God's omnipresence and omnipotence versus the subjective human experience of His apparent absence or silence during intense suffering. This verse profoundly validates the honest wrestling of faith, affirming that it is permissible to bring raw questions and feelings of abandonment directly to God. While the psalmist questions God's distance, the very act of crying out to Him still demonstrates an underlying faith that God is ultimately sovereign, capable of intervention, and attentive to the cries of His people. This lament, therefore, is not a sign of unbelief but a deep expression of a faith that refuses to give up on God, even when He seems hidden. It anticipates the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the certain judgment of the wicked, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His eventual triumph over all evil.

* [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - A Profound Lament of Abandonment")
* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God as a Very Present Help in Trouble")
* [Psalms 9:9](/psalms/9-9 "Psalm 9:9 - God as a Refuge for the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 10:1 offers profound comfort and validation by acknowledging the authentic human experience of feeling God's distance during times of severe trouble or injustice. It teaches us that it is permissible, even spiritually healthy, to bring our raw questions, our confusion, and our feelings of abandonment directly to God in prayer. This verse powerfully reminds believers that even when God seems silent or slow to act, He is not indifferent or unaware of our plight. The psalmist's continued prayer, despite his profound doubt and perceived divine hiddenness, models persistence in faith. It encourages us to keep crying out, to keep seeking God's face, and to trust that He will eventually reveal His justice and deliver His people, even if His timing is not our own. Our laments, far from being a sign of weak faith, can be powerful acts of profound trust, acknowledging God's sovereignty even as we express our deepest pain and longing for His intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalms 10:1 validate your own experiences of feeling God's distance or silence during difficult times?**
* **What does this psalm teach us about the nature of honest prayer and the importance of lament in our spiritual lives?**
* **How can we maintain faith and persistence in prayer when God's intervention seems delayed or His presence feels absent?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong to question God's presence during suffering?**

Answer: No, Psalms 10:1 and many other laments throughout the Bible (e.g., [Psalm 44:23-24](/psalms/44-23-24 "Psalm 44:23-24 - Why do you sleep, O Lord?")) powerfully demonstrate that it is not wrong to question God's perceived absence or inaction during suffering. The biblical tradition provides ample space for honest, even raw, expressions of doubt, confusion, and protest to God. These questions often arise from a deep faith that expects God to be present and to act justly according to His character and promises. The very act of bringing these questions directly to God, rather than turning away from Him in despair, is itself an act of profound faith and trust in His character and willingness to hear.

**How does this psalm reconcile with God's omnipresence?**

Answer: Psalms 10:1 expresses the psalmist's *subjective experience* of God's hiddenness, not a theological statement denying God's objective omnipresence. Theologically, God is indeed omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere at all times, sustaining all things by His power (e.g., [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - Where can I flee from your Spirit?")). The psalmist's lament arises from the *feeling* that God is not actively intervening or revealing His presence in a way that brings comfort, protection, or justice to the oppressed. It highlights the tension between objective theological truth and subjective human experience, a tension that faith often navigates. The psalm ultimately resolves this tension by moving from complaint to renewed trust in God's ultimate justice and eternal reign (e.g., [Psalms 10:16-18](/psalms/10-16-18 "Psalms 10:16-18 - The Lord is King Forever")).

**What is the purpose of lament in the Bible?**

Answer: The purpose of lament, as profoundly exemplified in Psalms 10:1, is multifaceted and vital for spiritual health. It provides a biblically sanctioned outlet for expressing profound sorrow, anger, confusion, and perceived abandonment directly to God. Lament acknowledges the brokenness of the world and the harsh reality of suffering without resorting to denial or false piety. It is fundamentally an act of faith that believes God hears, cares, and will ultimately act, even when His timing is unclear or His presence feels distant. Lament also serves to hold God accountable to His covenant promises of justice and deliverance, fostering a deep, authentic, and unvarnished relationship with Him. Ultimately, many laments in Scripture move from complaint to renewed trust and praise, demonstrating a transformative journey of faith through suffering (e.g., [Psalm 13](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - How long, O Lord?")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 10:1, with its raw cry of perceived divine abandonment and hiddenness in times of trouble, finds its most profound and redemptive Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus Himself echoed the agonizing lament of [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"), crying out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" In that moment, the Son of God, who had always known perfect, unbroken communion with the Father, experienced the ultimate "hiding" of God's face as He bore the full, crushing weight of humanity's sin, becoming sin for us (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He who knew no sin became sin")). Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, truly stood in the place of the oppressed described in [Psalm 10](/psalms/10 "Psalm 10 - The Oppressed Cry Out"), enduring the injustice of wicked men and the agonizing, unfathomable separation from God so that we, the suffering and sinful, might never truly be abandoned or "afar off" from God's presence (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest")). His cry of abandonment transforms the psalmist's question into a redemptive act, demonstrating God's ultimate solidarity with suffering humanity and securing our eternal hope. Through Christ's suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection, the "times of trouble" are ultimately overcome, and God's perfect justice and unfailing presence are fully revealed, ensuring that those who trust in Him will never be truly "afar off" from His boundless love (cf. [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 22:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring?

Psalms 27:9

Hide not thy face [far] from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalms 13:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

Jeremiah 14:8

O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man [that] turneth aside to tarry for a night?

Psalms 44:24

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, [and] forgettest our affliction and our oppression?

Job 13:24

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?