Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
Because that he remembered {H2142} not to shew {H6213} mercy {H2617}, but persecuted {H7291} the poor {H6041} and needy {H34} man {H376}, that he might even slay {H4191} the broken {H3512} in heart {H3824}.
For he did not remember to show kindness but hounded the downtrodden, the poor and the brokenhearted to death.
For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death.
Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them.
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Psalms 34:18
The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. -
Matthew 18:33
Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? -
Matthew 18:35
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. -
Psalms 37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation. -
James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. -
Psalms 10:2
The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. -
Job 19:2
How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?
Psalm 109:16 offers a stark portrayal of the wickedness that provokes divine judgment, focusing on the cruel disregard for human suffering. This verse details the specific transgressions of the psalmist's adversary, explaining the justification for the severe imprecations invoked earlier in the psalm.
Context
Psalm 109 is a deeply personal and powerful imprecatory psalm, traditionally attributed to David, where the psalmist cries out to God for justice against a deceitful and malicious enemy. The "he" in verse 16 refers to this adversary, whose actions are depicted as a complete antithesis to God's character. The psalm moves from a plea for God's help (verses 1-5) to a detailed list of curses against the enemy (verses 6-19), and then back to the psalmist's own suffering and plea for deliverance (verses 20-31). Verse 16 serves as a crucial explanation for *why* such harsh judgments are sought: the enemy's profound lack of mercy and active oppression.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms illuminate the depth of the enemy's cruelty:
Practical Application
Psalm 109:16, while describing a specific enemy, serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of mercilessness and oppression. It reminds us: