Psalms 109:12

Commentary on Psalms 109:12 (KJV)

Psalms 109:12 is a stark verse from one of the Bible's most challenging and debated psalms, often referred to as an "imprecatory psalm." It reads: "Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children."

Context of Psalms 109

Psalm 109 is a lament of David, who is suffering unjustly at the hands of malicious and deceitful enemies. The psalm is a fervent prayer to God, expressing deep distress and calling for divine judgment upon those who have wronged him. The language is intense, reflecting the profound pain and sense of betrayal felt by the psalmist. Verses 6-19 contain a series of curses directed at an unnamed adversary, detailing a comprehensive downfall. It's crucial to understand that these are not personal acts of vengeance by the psalmist, but rather appeals to God, the righteous Judge, to intervene and administer justice for grievous wrongs.

Key Themes and Messages

• Imprecation and Justice: The verse is a severe imprecation, a prayer for divine judgment. It asks that the wicked individual receive no mercy (Hebrew: chesed - steadfast love, kindness, or mercy) from anyone, and that even their children, who would typically receive societal favor, would be left unfavored. This reflects a deep desire for absolute justice to be meted out for severe wickedness, often seen in the context of covenant curses.
• Consequences for Descendants: The plea that "none... favour his fatherless children" is particularly harsh to modern ears. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the complete ruin of a family, including its future generations, was a powerful symbol of utter destruction and divine displeasure, often associated with the consequences of profound sin or covenant breaking. It signifies a desire for the complete eradication of the wicked person's legacy.
• Cry for Vindication: Beneath the strong language is a cry for vindication from a slandered and persecuted individual. The psalmist believes his enemies are acting with pure malice, and he is appealing to God as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, seeking divine intervention where human systems have failed or proven inadequate.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is chesed (חֶסֶד), which is a rich theological term encompassing loyalty, steadfast love, and kindness, especially within a covenant relationship. The request that there be "none to extend chesed" emphasizes a complete deprivation of even basic human compassion, highlighting the depth of the psalmist's suffering and the severity of the judgment sought. Similarly, "favour" comes from the Hebrew chanan (חָנַן), meaning to show grace or be gracious, underscoring the desire for the complete absence of any benevolent regard.

Related Scriptures

Understanding Psalm 109:12 requires careful theological navigation. While the Old Testament contains many such appeals for divine justice, the New Testament introduces a profound shift in emphasis towards grace, forgiveness, and love for enemies. For instance, Jesus teaches his followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44), and Paul reminds believers that "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19). This does not negate God's justice, but rather places the responsibility for judgment entirely in His hands, while calling His people to extend mercy and forgiveness.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that while human beings often cry out for justice in the face of deep wrong, sometimes with intense and even uncomfortable language, the ultimate administration of justice belongs to God. It highlights the profound suffering of the psalmist and his desperate plea for divine intervention. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Old Testament's raw expressions of human emotion and trust in God's ultimate righteousness, while also pointing to the transformative power of the New Testament's call to mercy and love, recognizing that the Lord Himself is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psalm 103:8).