Psalms 109:27

KJV

That they may know that this [is] thy hand; [that] thou, LORD, hast done it.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may know {H3045} that this is thy hand {H3027}; that thou, LORD {H3068}, hast done {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that they will know that this comes from your hand, that you, ADONAI, have done it.

Berean Standard Bible

Let them know that this is Your hand, that You, O LORD, have done it.

American Standard Version

That they may know that this is thy hand; That thou, Jehovah, hast done it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 109:27 is a profound and fervent prayer from the psalmist, likely David, expressing a deep desire for God's decisive and undeniable intervention against his adversaries. Amidst intense suffering, false accusations, and betrayal, the psalmist petitions God not merely for personal vindication, but, more significantly, that God's powerful and unmistakable action would be publicly recognized. This verse encapsulates a profound theological truth: the ultimate purpose of divine justice and deliverance is the revelation of God's glory, ensuring that all observers—both friends and foes—would acknowledge His sovereign hand and confess that He alone has accomplished it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 109 stands as one of the most intense and poignant "imprecatory psalms," characterized by the psalmist's impassioned plea for divine justice against those who have unjustly afflicted him. The psalm opens with a lament, detailing the psalmist's profound distress and the malicious attacks of his enemies (verses 1-5). It then transitions into a lengthy and vivid imprecation against his primary adversary (verses 6-19), followed by a return to describing his own suffering and the wickedness of his foes (verses 20-25). Verse 27 marks a pivotal shift, moving beyond the personal anguish and curses to articulate the ultimate, God-centered purpose of the desired divine intervention: the public display of God's power and faithfulness. This verse elevates the psalmist's petition from mere personal relief to a profound concern for God's reputation and glory, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God's active involvement in human affairs and His ultimate triumph over evil, as seen in the cries for vindication found throughout the Psalter, such as in [Psalm 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - God's Deliverance") or [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to David, Psalm 109 reflects the experience of a leader or individual facing severe slander, betrayal, and public humiliation, possibly from within his own trusted circle. In ancient Israelite society, one's reputation, honor, and social standing were intrinsically linked, and false accusations could lead to devastating consequences, including social ostracism, legal condemnation, and even death. The psalmist's enemies are depicted as those who "speak against me with a lying tongue" (verse 2) and "reward me evil for good" (verse 5). The appeal for God's "hand" to act is a powerful call for a visible, undeniable demonstration of divine power, reminiscent of the great acts of deliverance in Israel's history, most notably the Exodus, where God's mighty hand was clearly at work in freeing His people from bondage, as powerfully recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). The desire for "them to know" implies a public, undeniable revelation of God's justice that would not only restore the psalmist's honor but also deter future malice and serve as a profound witness to God's sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention** is central; the psalmist's unwavering belief is that God is not a passive observer but an active, powerful agent who intervenes decisively in human affairs, demonstrating His ultimate control over all circumstances. Secondly, **Vindication of the Righteous** is a prominent theme, as the psalmist anticipates God's action as a public display of His justice, clearing his name and demonstrating His unwavering defense of those who are oppressed. This highlights God's role as a righteous judge who brings truth to light and upholds the cause of the innocent, a theme powerfully echoed in [Psalm 7:10](/psalms/7-10 "Psalm 7:10 - God as Defender"). Thirdly, **Witness and Testimony** is crucial; the primary goal of God's intervention, from the psalmist's perspective, is for "them to know"—that is, for God's power, faithfulness, and righteous character to be undeniably revealed to all, serving as a powerful testimony to His authority and justice, as seen in the prophetic declarations of God's self-revelation to the nations in passages like [Isaiah 41:20](/isaiah/41-20 "Isaiah 41:20 - God's Hand Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, יָדַע, _yadaʻ'_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes a deep, experiential, and often relational understanding. In this context, it implies a recognition that is undeniable and publicly acknowledged, a knowing that comes from witnessing God's powerful acts. It's about a revelation so compelling that it forces acknowledgment of God's agency and sovereign power, leading to a profound, undeniable conviction.
* **Hand (Hebrew, יָד, _yâd'_):** In biblical idiom, the "hand" of God is a potent anthropomorphism representing His active power, direct intervention, and sovereign control. It denotes a visible, tangible, and effective demonstration of divine strength, authority, and skill. When God's "hand" is at work, His involvement is unmistakable, leaving no doubt as to the source of the action. It signifies an open, powerful, and decisive act.
* **LORD (Hebrew, יְהוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The use of God's covenant name, Yahweh (often rendered "LORD" in English translations), emphasizes His personal, faithful, and unchanging character. It reminds the psalmist and the reader that the appeal is to the self-Existent, Eternal God who has revealed Himself to Israel, who keeps His promises, and who acts on behalf of His people in accordance with His covenant faithfulness and sovereign will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may know":** This opening clause expresses the ultimate purpose or desired outcome of God's intervention. The psalmist's prayer is not solely for personal relief but for a public, undeniable revelation of God's power and justice. "They" refers broadly to the adversaries, the onlookers, and indeed, all who witness the unfolding events, implying a public vindication that will compel acknowledgment of divine action.
* **"that this [is] thy hand":** This specifies what "they" are to know. The "this" refers to the deliverance, vindication, or judgment that the psalmist anticipates. It is to be so clear, miraculous, and decisive that its source—God's direct, powerful, and sovereign "hand"—cannot be denied or attributed to chance or human effort. It is an act so profound that it bears the unmistakable signature of the Divine.
* **"[that] thou, LORD, hast done it":** This final clause powerfully reinforces and reiterates the previous one, adding emphasis and absolute certainty. The repetition underscores the psalmist's unwavering conviction that the intervention is not by human strength, coincidence, or any other force, but solely by the personal, covenant-keeping God (Yahweh). "Hast done it" conveys absolute certainty and completion; it is a declaration of faith that God will indeed accomplish His purpose, and the results will be undeniably evident to all.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, specifically the phrase "thy hand," which is a common biblical idiom representing God's active power, direct intervention, and sovereign control. This vivid imagery conveys a sense of tangible, undeniable divine action. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Parallelism** and **Emphasis through Repetition**, particularly with the repeated "that" clause ("That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it"). This repetition serves to underscore the certainty and the singular source of the anticipated deliverance, driving home the point that God alone is the agent. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Purpose Clause**, articulating the profound reason behind the psalmist's prayer for intervention—not just for personal relief from suffering, but for the revelation of God's glory and power to a watching world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 109:27 offers a profound theological statement about God's character and His active interaction with humanity. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but one who actively intervenes in the affairs of His creation, especially on behalf of the oppressed and righteous. The psalmist's fervent desire for "them to know" highlights God's ultimate concern for His own glory and reputation among the nations. When God acts decisively, it is not merely for the benefit of an individual but also to reveal His power, justice, and faithfulness to a watching world. This public display of divine sovereignty serves as an undeniable testimony to His unique identity as the true and living God, challenging all false notions of power and authority and compelling acknowledgment of His supreme rule.

* [Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel Sees God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 41:20](/isaiah/41-20 "Isaiah 41:20 - God's Hand Revealed")
* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Holy Name Vindicated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 109:27 provides enduring encouragement and a powerful framework for prayer in times of profound adversity, injustice, or betrayal. When we face overwhelming opposition, slander, or circumstances that seem beyond our control, this verse reminds us that our ultimate hope and vindication come from God alone. It challenges us to pray not just for our own relief or comfort, but with a broader, God-centered vision: that God's intervention in our lives would serve as a clear, undeniable testimony to His power, faithfulness, and justice to those around us, both believers and unbelievers. Our trials, when met with faith and persistent prayer, can become profound platforms for God to display His glory, causing others to "know" that He is truly at work. This calls us to cultivate a confident expectation in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem bleak, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing and for His perfect purpose, ultimately bringing unparalleled glory to His holy name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's desire for God's glory to be revealed through his deliverance challenge my own motivations for prayer in times of trouble?**
* **In what specific situations in my life have I witnessed God's undeniable "hand" at work, and how did that experience deepen my faith and my witness to others?**
* **How can I better articulate and share with others the ways in which God has intervened in my life, so that "they may know" it is truly Him and not mere coincidence?**
* **What does it mean to pray for God's vindication not just for myself, but for the broader witness of His character and truth in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God's "hand" to be seen in our lives?**

Answer: The phrase "thy hand" is a powerful biblical idiom representing God's direct and sovereign action. When God's "hand" is seen, it means that His intervention is so clear, undeniable, and effective that its divine origin cannot be mistaken or attributed to human effort or chance. It signifies a powerful, visible demonstration of His strength, authority, and control over circumstances. For example, after the Israelites miraculously crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the destruction of the Egyptian army, [Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel Sees God's Hand") states, "Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and his servant Moses." This was a clear and profound manifestation of God's "hand."

**Why is it important for "them to know" that God has acted?**

Answer: The psalmist's desire for "them to know" emphasizes the public, testimonial aspect of God's intervention. It's not solely about the psalmist's personal relief or vindication, but about God's glory and reputation being clearly demonstrated before a watching world, including both His people and His adversaries. When God acts decisively, it serves as an undeniable revelation of His justice, power, and faithfulness. This public demonstration confirms His sovereignty, challenges those who oppose Him or doubt His existence, and fulfills the purpose of God's actions often described in the Old Testament, such as in [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Holy Name Vindicated"), where God declares He will act "that the nations may know that I am the LORD."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 109:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's fervent plea for vindication and the desire for God's "hand" to be revealed to all finds its supreme answer in Christ's suffering, death, and glorious resurrection. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, endured betrayal, false accusations, and immense suffering—far surpassing the psalmist's experience—yet He did so without sin. Through His crucifixion, God's "hand" was indeed at work, not in a way that immediately delivered Him from suffering, but in bringing about the ultimate redemption of humanity, conquering sin and death. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was the supreme, undeniable act of God's "hand," publicly demonstrating His power over sin, death, and the grave. As [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus") declares, "God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it." This unparalleled act caused the world to "know" that Jesus is indeed Lord and Christ, fulfilling the prophetic longing for God's decisive intervention and revelation. Through Christ's finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, God has "done it" in a way that forever reveals His justice, His immeasurable love, and His sovereign power, inviting all to believe and acknowledge His mighty hand, as articulated in the cosmic exaltation of Christ described in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation").

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

Job 37:7

He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.

1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

1 Kings 18:37

Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou [art] the LORD God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again.

Exodus 8:19

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

1 Samuel 17:46

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

1 Samuel 17:47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Psalms 64:8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.