To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
To judge {H8199} the fatherless {H3490} and the oppressed {H1790}, that the man {H582} of the earth {H776} may no more {H3254} oppress {H6206}.
to give justice to the fatherless and oppressed, so that no one on earth will strike terror again.
to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, That man who is of the earth may be terrible no more.
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Psalms 9:9
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. -
Psalms 82:3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. -
Isaiah 11:4
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. -
1 Corinthians 15:47
The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven. -
1 Corinthians 15:48
As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are heavenly. -
Luke 18:7
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? -
Luke 18:8
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Context
Psalm 10 is a passionate lament, expressing the psalmist's perplexity and distress over the apparent prosperity and impunity of the wicked, who oppress the poor and vulnerable. The psalm begins with a cry of "Why standest Thou afar off, O Lord?" (Psalm 10:1) and details the arrogance, self-sufficiency, and malice of the oppressor. Verse 18 serves as the climactic expression of faith and hope, affirming God's ultimate intervention and righteous judgment despite the current state of affairs. It is a declaration that God hears the cries of the afflicted and will act.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "To judge" comes from the Hebrew verb shaphat (שָׁפַט), which means more than just to pass a verdict. It often carries the sense of administering justice, defending, vindicating, or delivering. Thus, God doesn't just observe; He actively intervenes to uphold justice and deliver the vulnerable.
The term "man of the earth" translates the Hebrew phrase enosh min ha'aretz (אֱנוֹשׁ מִן־הָאָרֶץ). Enosh typically refers to mortal man, often highlighting human frailty or weakness. Coupled with "of the earth," it emphasizes the temporary, earthly-minded nature of the oppressor, contrasting with God's eternal power and heavenly perspective. It suggests that despite their temporary power, these oppressors are merely mortal and will not ultimately prevail against the sovereign Lord.
Practical Application
Psalm 10:18 offers profound comfort and reassurance to those experiencing injustice. It reminds us that even when evil seems to triumph, God sees, hears, and will ultimately act. This verse calls believers to: