Psalms 10:2

KJV

The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wicked {H7563} in his pride {H1346} doth persecute {H1814} the poor {H6041}: let them be taken {H8610} in the devices {H4209} that {H2098} they have imagined {H2803}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wicked in their arrogance hunt down the poor, who get caught in the schemes they think up.

Berean Standard Bible

In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.

American Standard Version

In the pride of the wicked the poor is hotly pursued; Let them be taken in the devices that they have conceived.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 10:2 powerfully depicts the relentless oppression of the vulnerable by the proud and wicked, while simultaneously invoking a fervent plea for divine, poetic justice. This verse serves as a profound lament within a psalm that grapples with the apparent impunity of the ungodly, highlighting their arrogance and the suffering they inflict, yet firmly asserting a belief in God's ultimate intervention to ensnare the wicked in their own malicious schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 10 functions as a poignant individual lament, frequently viewed as a continuation or companion to Psalm 9, with both psalms addressing the theme of divine justice in the face of human wickedness. While Psalm 9 celebrates God's past acts of judgment and deliverance, Psalm 10 expresses a desperate plea for God to act in the present, as the wicked appear to prosper unchecked. Verse 2 immediately establishes the central conflict by identifying the perpetrators (the wicked in their pride) and their victims (the poor/afflicted), setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent detailed description of the wicked's arrogance, their denial of God's presence, and their cunning plots, as seen in passages like [Psalm 10:4](/psalms/10-4 "Psalm 10:4 - The Wicked's Arrogance") and [Psalm 10:7-11](/psalms/10-7-11 "Psalm 10:7-11 - The Wicked's Deceit and Denial"). The verse's imprecatory tone ("let them be taken") introduces the psalmist's longing for divine retribution, which culminates in the psalm's appeal for God to break the arm of the wicked in [Psalm 10:15](/psalms/10-15 "Psalm 10:15 - Breaking the Arm of the Wicked").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The socio-economic landscape of ancient Israel, much like other ancient Near Eastern societies, was often marked by significant disparities, leaving the "poor" or "afflicted" (Hebrew: _‘aniy_) vulnerable to exploitation by the powerful. This vulnerability extended beyond mere material poverty to encompass those who were marginalized, defenseless, and without influential patrons. The Mosaic Law repeatedly emphasized the protection of the poor, the widow, and the orphan, reflecting God's own heart for justice, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws Concerning the Poor"). The "wicked" (Hebrew: _rasha'_) in this context are not merely individuals who commit isolated sins, but those who systematically defy God's covenant and exploit others, often leveraging their social or economic power. Their "pride" (Hebrew: _ga'avah_) signifies an arrogant self-sufficiency and a belief that they are exempt from divine or human accountability, a common characteristic of oppressors throughout history.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 10:2 encapsulates several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the destructive nature of **pride** as a root of injustice, illustrating how self-exaltation leads to the oppression of others, a theme powerfully echoed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Secondly, it underscores God's deep concern for the **vulnerable and oppressed** (the "poor" or _‘aniy_), portraying them as specific targets of the wicked's malice. This concern is a consistent thread in biblical theology, emphasizing God's role as a defender of the defenseless, as seen in [Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Defender of the Fatherless"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **divine retribution and poetic justice**, expressing a fervent desire for God to intervene and ensure that the wicked's own evil "devices" become the instruments of their downfall. This principle, where the schemer falls into their own pit, is a recurring motif, notably in [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15-16 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked's Own Trap") and [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," denotes arrogance, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. In biblical thought, pride is often seen as the root of sin, a rebellion against God's sovereignty, and a cause for despising others. Here, it is presented as the fundamental motivation for the wicked's actions, suggesting a self-inflated sense of importance that leads them to believe they can act with impunity, disregarding both divine law and human dignity.
* **Persecute (Hebrew, _dâlaq'_):** While often translated as "persecute," the primitive root meaning of _dâlaq_ is "to flame" (literally or figuratively), "to burn," "to pursue hotly," or "to chase." This conveys a relentless, aggressive, and almost fiery pursuit of the poor. It implies an active, intense, and oppressive hounding of the vulnerable, signifying not merely passive neglect or incidental harm, but a deliberate and sustained campaign of affliction.
* **Devices (Hebrew, _mᵉzimmâh'_):** This word, from the root "to plan" or "to devise," refers to a plan, usually evil (machination), though sometimes it can denote sagacity. In this context, it signifies schemes, plots, or evil intentions, often with a sense of malicious cunning and premeditation. The psalmist's prayer is that these very carefully crafted, malevolent plans would backfire, becoming the means of the wicked's own entrapment, a powerful expression of divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor:"** This initial clause identifies the perpetrator, the victim, and the driving force behind the oppression. "The wicked" (רָשָׁע, _râshâʻ_) are those who live in defiance of God's ways, characterized by their "pride" (גַּאֲוָה, _gaʼăvâh'_), an internal arrogance that fuels their external actions. This pride manifests as an active, aggressive "persecution" (דָּלַק, _dâlaq'_) of "the poor" (עָנִי, _ʻânîy_), who represent the vulnerable, afflicted, and defenseless members of society. This paints a vivid picture of the strong exploiting the weak, driven by self-exaltation and a profound disregard for justice.
* **"let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined."** This second clause is an imprecatory prayer, a fervent plea for divine intervention and retribution. The psalmist calls for the wicked to be "taken" or caught (טָפַשׂ, _tâphas'_), specifically in the very "devices" (מְזִמָּה, _mᵉzimmâh'_) or malicious schemes that they themselves have "imagined" or contrived (חָשַׁב, _châshab'_). This expresses a profound desire for poetic justice, where the wicked's own cunning and evil plans become the instruments of their downfall, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human evil and His unwavering commitment to righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 10:2 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, seen in the phrase "let them be taken," which is a direct prayer or curse asking God to bring judgment upon the wicked. This is not a personal vendetta but a call for divine justice against those who defy God and oppress His people. Closely related is **Poetic Justice** or **Irony**, where the psalmist desires that the wicked's own "devices" or schemes become their undoing. This creates a powerful reversal, where the very tools of oppression are turned against the oppressors. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the "pride" of the wicked and the vulnerable state of "the poor," highlighting the moral chasm between the oppressor and the oppressed. The active verb "persecute" (from _dâlaq_, to pursue hotly) also provides vivid **Imagery** of the wicked's aggressive and relentless pursuit of their victims.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 10:2 lays bare the stark reality of human sin and suffering while simultaneously affirming a deep theological conviction in God's ultimate justice. It underscores that pride is not merely a character flaw but a powerful, destructive force that drives systemic injustice and oppression. The psalmist's cry for the wicked to be ensnared in their own plots reflects a fundamental belief in a moral universe governed by a righteous God who sees, hears, and will eventually act. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while evil may seem to triumph temporarily, God's sovereignty ensures that the wicked's schemes are ultimately futile, and their own sin becomes their undoing. It is a testament to the enduring hope that divine justice will prevail, even when it appears delayed.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15-16 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked's Own Trap")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 10:2 challenges us to confront the reality of injustice in our world and within our own hearts. It compels us to recognize that pride, whether personal or systemic, is a root cause of oppression, leading individuals and institutions to exploit the vulnerable for their own gain. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep empathy for "the poor" – the afflicted, the marginalized, the voiceless – and to stand in solidarity with them. While the psalmist's prayer is imprecatory, it is rooted in a profound trust that God is just and will ultimately bring all hidden things to light and all wrongs to right. For believers, this means not only lamenting injustice but also actively working for righteousness, advocating for the oppressed, and living with humility, knowing that true justice belongs to God. It encourages us to pray boldly for God's intervention, trusting that He will indeed bring the wicked's schemes to naught and establish His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I see pride manifesting as a source of injustice in my community or the world today?**
* **How does this verse challenge my perspective on God's justice in the face of seemingly unchecked evil?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for or support "the poor" or oppressed in my sphere of influence, aligning with God's heart for justice?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse encourage personal revenge?**

Answer: No, Psalm 10:2, like other imprecatory psalms, is a prayer to God for divine justice, not an endorsement of personal revenge. The psalmist is expressing a fervent desire for God to intervene and execute His righteous judgment against those who oppress. It reflects a deep trust that vengeance belongs to the Lord, as affirmed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"), rather than encouraging individuals to take matters into their own hands. It is a cry for the establishment of God's moral order, not an act of personal retribution.

**Who are "the poor" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: "The poor" (Hebrew: _ʻânîy_) in Psalm 10:2 refers to more than just those lacking material wealth. It broadly encompasses the afflicted, the humble, the oppressed, the meek, and those who are vulnerable and without power. These are individuals who are often marginalized, exploited, and unable to defend themselves against the powerful and wicked. The term highlights their social and spiritual condition as much as their economic one, emphasizing their dependence on God for justice and deliverance.

**How can the wicked be "taken in the devices that they have imagined"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the concept of poetic justice, where the wicked's own malicious schemes and cunning plans become the very means of their downfall. It implies that God, in His sovereignty, can turn the tables on oppressors, causing their own carefully crafted evil plots to backfire and ensnare them. Examples in Scripture include Haman being hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai ([Esther 7:10](/esther/7-10 "Esther 7:10 - Haman's Downfall")) or the wicked falling into the pit they dug for others ([Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall Into Their Own Pit")). It's a testament to God's ultimate control over human affairs and His commitment to justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 10:2, with its lament over the wicked's prideful oppression and its plea for divine retribution, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the "poor" or _ʻânîy_—the humble, afflicted, and suffering servant who was persecuted by the proud and powerful, ultimately being "taken" in the devices of wicked men who imagined His death would secure their power ([Isaiah 53:3-7](/isaiah/53-3-7 "Isaiah 53:3-7 - The Suffering Servant"); [Matthew 27:1-2](/matthew/27-1-2 "Matthew 27:1-2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")). Yet, God turned their wicked "devices" against them, transforming the cross from an instrument of defeat into the means of salvation and the ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). Jesus, the humble Lamb of God, disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities through His apparent weakness, catching them in their own trap. Furthermore, Christ is the righteous King who will return to fully execute the justice prayed for in this psalm. He will judge the wicked, breaking their pride and delivering the oppressed, establishing a kingdom where justice and righteousness reign supreme and where the meek inherit the earth ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Meek"); [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, Psalm 10:2 points forward to the cross, where the wicked's plot was subverted for redemptive purposes, and to Christ's future reign, where all pride will be humbled and perfect justice will be meted out.

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 59:12

[For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying [which] they speak.

Psalms 36:11

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Proverbs 5:22

His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Psalms 31:18

Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

Psalms 119:122

Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

Isaiah 10:12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, [that] when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.