Psalms 109:21

KJV

¶ But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy [is] good, deliver thou me.

KJV (with Strong's)

But do {H6213} thou for me, O GOD {H3069} the Lord {H136}, for thy name's {H8034} sake: because thy mercy {H2617} is good {H2896}, deliver {H5337} thou me.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, God, ADONAI, treat me as your name demands; rescue me, because your grace is good.

Berean Standard Bible

But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal kindly with me for the sake of Your name; deliver me by the goodness of Your loving devotion.

American Standard Version

But deal thou with me, O Jehovah the Lord, for thy name’s sake: Because thy lovingkindness is good, deliver thou me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 109:21 marks a profound turning point in a psalm otherwise dominated by expressions of intense suffering and imprecation against enemies. Here, the psalmist, having detailed the malicious accusations and betrayals he endures, pivots from a focus on his adversaries to an earnest, direct, and humble appeal to God. This verse encapsulates a desperate plea for divine intervention, grounded not in the psalmist's own merit or strength, but solely in the unassailable character of God—His glorious name and His inherent, steadfast mercy. It is a powerful testament to the believer's ultimate reliance on God's nature for deliverance and vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 109 is a deeply personal and often unsettling lament psalm, widely categorized as an imprecatory psalm due to its fervent pleas for divine judgment against the psalmist's enemies. The preceding verses (1-20) are consumed with the psalmist's anguish over false accusations, hatred without cause, and profound betrayal, culminating in a series of severe curses wished upon his adversaries and their descendants. This intense outpouring of pain and desire for retribution sets a stark backdrop for verse 21. The opening "But" (KJV "¶ But do thou for me") signals an abrupt and deliberate shift in focus. The psalmist turns his gaze from the injustice inflicted by humans to the righteous character and sovereign power of God, transforming the psalm from an expression of personal vengeance into a profound theological petition. This pivot is a common feature in psalms of lament, where the depth of human suffering ultimately drives the petitioner to seek refuge and justice in God alone, as seen in the shift from complaint to trust in [Psalms 13:5-6](/psalms/13-5 "Psalms 13:5-6 - From Lament to Trust").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to David, the specific historical circumstances surrounding Psalms 109 are not explicitly detailed, allowing for its application to various experiences of unjust suffering. However, the themes of betrayal, false accusation, and the desire for vindication resonate deeply with David's own life, particularly his flight from Saul or the treachery of Absalom and Ahithophel. In ancient Israelite society, a person's "name" was synonymous with their character, reputation, and essence; thus, an appeal "for thy name's sake" was a profound invocation of God's very being and covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, the concept of "mercy" (Hebrew *chesed*) was foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It denoted a loyal, steadfast love that was not merely emotional but actively demonstrated through faithfulness to promises and commitments. The societal context often involved public shaming and legal accusations, making the psalmist's plea for God to act "for his name's sake" a request for God to publicly uphold His divine character and deliver His servant from slander and injustice.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 109:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and ultimate authority of God** as the sole source of true deliverance and justice, especially when human avenues have failed. Secondly, it highlights the profound importance of **God's character and reputation** ("for thy name's sake"), emphasizing that God's actions are always consistent with His revealed nature and covenant promises. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, as when God acts to save Israel so that His name would not be profaned among the nations ([Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated")). Thirdly, the verse powerfully articulates the **steadfastness and goodness of God's mercy (chesed)** as the fundamental ground for hope and appeal. This divine attribute, God's loyal love, is consistently portrayed as the bedrock of His relationship with His people, providing comfort and assurance even in the direst circumstances, as celebrated in [Psalms 136](/psalms/136 "Psalms 136 - God's Enduring Mercy"). Finally, it embodies the theme of **earnest prayer and humble reliance**, demonstrating that even amidst intense personal suffering and the desire for retribution, the ultimate recourse for the righteous is to cast their burdens upon the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This is a profoundly significant theological term in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," "covenant faithfulness," or "kindness." It is not merely pity or compassion, but an active, unwavering commitment of God to His people, rooted in His covenant promises. When the psalmist declares, "thy mercy [is] good," he is asserting the inherent goodness, reliability, and active benevolence of God's covenant loyalty. It implies that God's *ḥesed* is not just a passive attribute but an active force that compels Him to act on behalf of those He has committed Himself to. It is the very essence of God's character that guarantees His faithfulness to His people, even when they are undeserving or in deep distress.
* **Name's sake (Hebrew, _šēm'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, a "name" was far more than a mere label; it represented the very essence, character, reputation, and authority of the person or entity. To act "for thy name's sake" is to appeal to God's inherent character and glory. It means the psalmist is asking God to intervene in a way that upholds His own reputation, demonstrates His power, righteousness, and faithfulness to His covenant promises before the world. The psalmist is essentially saying, "Act, O God, because your very being and reputation are at stake in my deliverance; let your intervention glorify who you are." This elevates the personal plea to a theological one, seeking God's vindication not just for personal relief, but for the demonstration of His divine attributes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord,"**: This phrase marks a dramatic and intentional shift from the preceding imprecations. The conjunction "But" signals a pivot from the psalmist's enemies and their curses to a direct, urgent, and singular appeal to the divine. "O GOD the Lord" (KJV "GOD the Lord," typically representing Yahweh Adonai) is a powerful address to the sovereign, covenant-keeping God. It acknowledges His supreme authority and ability to act where human effort or justice has failed. The phrase "do thou for me" is a desperate cry for personal intervention and advocacy from the highest power.
* **"for thy name's sake:"**: This is the primary ground for the psalmist's appeal. It is not based on his own merit or righteousness, but entirely on God's character and reputation. The psalmist implores God to act in a manner consistent with His revealed nature, His covenant faithfulness, and His glory. Deliverance for the psalmist would serve to vindicate God's character in the eyes of the world, demonstrating His justice and power.
* **"because thy mercy [is] good,"**: This clause provides the secondary, yet equally foundational, ground for the plea. The "mercy" here is *ḥesed*, God's steadfast, loyal, covenant love. By stating that God's *ḥesed* "is good," the psalmist affirms its inherent benevolence, reliability, and active nature. It is this unwavering, benevolent love that provides the ultimate assurance and hope for divine intervention, regardless of the psalmist's circumstances or perceived worthiness.
* **"deliver thou me."**: This is the ultimate, concise request. It is a cry for rescue, vindication, and liberation from the dire circumstances, false accusations, and oppressive enemies. It encapsulates the psalmist's desire for God to actively intervene and bring about a just resolution, trusting that God's good mercy will lead to a righteous outcome.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 109:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, signaled by the opening "But," which sharply distinguishes this verse's tone and focus from the preceding imprecatory section. This creates a dramatic pivot from human anguish and vengeance to divine appeal and reliance. The psalmist also uses **Direct Address** (or **Apostrophe**), speaking immediately and intimately to "O GOD the Lord," which emphasizes the personal and urgent nature of the plea. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism** or **Reasoning**, where the request "deliver thou me" is buttressed by two compelling theological grounds: "for thy name's sake" and "because thy mercy is good." This structure builds a logical and theological argument for divine intervention, demonstrating the psalmist's deep understanding of God's character as the basis for his hope. The entire verse functions as a **Supplication**, a humble and earnest prayer, which is a key characteristic of the lament genre, even within an imprecatory psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 109:21 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer and divine intervention. It teaches that the most powerful appeals to God are not rooted in human merit or emotional pleas alone, but in the unchangeable character of God Himself. By appealing to God's "name's sake" and His "good mercy (*ḥesed*)," the psalmist demonstrates a deep understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His own glory. This verse underscores that God's actions are always consistent with His holy nature and His promises, providing a secure foundation for faith even in the face of overwhelming injustice. It also highlights the transformative power of turning from human-centric concerns (like vengeance) to God-centric reliance, demonstrating that true deliverance ultimately comes from aligning one's desires with God's will and character.

* [Psalms 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalms 23:3 - He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.")
* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.")
* [Psalms 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalms 136:1 - Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 109:21 offers a timeless model for believers navigating periods of intense suffering, betrayal, or injustice. It calls us to shift our focus from the pain inflicted by others or the desire for personal retribution to a humble and direct appeal to God. In our deepest distress, our most potent prayer is not a demand based on our perceived rights, but a plea grounded in who God is—His unwavering character, His glorious name, and His steadfast, benevolent mercy. This perspective liberates us from the burden of seeking our own vindication and allows us to entrust our circumstances to the One who is perfectly just and infinitely good. It encourages us to pray that God would act not just for our relief, but for the demonstration of His own power and righteousness in the world, making our deliverance a testimony to His greatness. When we pray "for your name's sake," we align our personal need with God's ultimate glory, trusting that His *ḥesed* is sufficient to see us through any trial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does shifting your focus from your adversaries to God's character change the nature of your prayers in difficult times?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to appeal to God "for His name's sake" in your current circumstances?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "good mercy" (*ḥesed*) as a reliable foundation for hope and deliverance?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist suddenly shift from cursing his enemies to praying to God for deliverance?**

Answer: The shift in Psalms 109:21 is characteristic of many lament psalms, which often move through phases of complaint, imprecation, and ultimately, trust and petition to God. The psalmist, having poured out his anguish and desire for justice against his adversaries, recognizes that ultimate vindication and deliverance cannot come from human efforts or even from wishing ill upon others, but solely from the sovereign God. This pivot signifies a profound act of faith and reliance, acknowledging God's supreme authority and His unique ability to act righteously. It demonstrates that even in the midst of intense human suffering and the desire for retribution, the believer's ultimate hope and recourse is in God's divine intervention, as seen in the pattern of turning to God in [Psalms 6](/psalms/6 "Psalms 6 - A Prayer for Mercy in Distress").

**What is the theological significance of appealing to God "for thy name's sake"?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" represented the very essence, character, and reputation of an individual or deity. To appeal to God "for thy name's sake" is a profound theological statement. It means the psalmist is asking God to act in a way that is consistent with His revealed character, His covenant promises, and His glory. It implies that God's reputation is at stake; if His faithful servant is not delivered from injustice, it might appear that God is not just or powerful. Therefore, the psalmist is not asking based on his own merit, but on God's inherent goodness and faithfulness. It's a plea for God to demonstrate His power and righteousness to the world, thereby magnifying His own name, as God often acted for His name's sake to deliver Israel from bondage ([Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 109:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of false accusation, betrayal, and unjust suffering, culminating in a cry for divine vindication based on God's name and mercy, deeply foreshadows the passion of Christ. Jesus, the ultimate righteous sufferer, endured betrayal by Judas ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")), false witness ([Mark 14:56](/mark/14-56 "Mark 14:56 - False Witness Against Jesus")), and the hatred of those He came to save ([John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - They Hated Me Without a Cause")). Yet, in His agony, Jesus did not call down curses but prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). His entire mission, from incarnation to crucifixion and resurrection, was "for the Father's name's sake" and out of God's "good mercy." God's ultimate act of deliverance, the resurrection of Christ from the dead, was the supreme demonstration of His *ḥesed* and the vindication of His name, proving Jesus' righteousness and securing salvation for all who believe ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Through Christ, God's mercy is fully revealed, and His name is supremely glorified, as He delivers us not just from enemies, but from sin and death, establishing an eternal covenant of grace.

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 31:3

For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalms 69:16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness [is] good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

Psalms 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

Psalms 79:10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.

Psalms 63:3

¶ Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalms 25:11

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.