Psalms 9:12

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

When he maketh inquisition {H1875} for blood {H1818}, he remembereth {H2142} them: he forgetteth {H7911} not the cry {H6818} of the humble {H6035}{H6041}.

For the avenger of blood remembers them, he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted:

For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

For he that maketh inquisition for blood remembereth them; He forgetteth not the cry of the poor.

Context of Psalms 9:12

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving by King David, praising God for His righteous judgment and deliverance from his enemies. It begins with fervent worship for God's mighty acts and transitions into a declaration of His eternal reign as a just judge. This particular verse, Psalms 9:12, fits within a larger theme of God's unwavering commitment to justice for the oppressed and His active remembrance of those who suffer.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Active Justice and Judgment: The phrase "When he maketh inquisition for blood" speaks to God's role as the supreme Judge, who diligently investigates and holds accountable those who shed innocent blood or commit acts of violence and oppression. It assures believers that no act of injustice goes unnoticed by the divine eye. This reflects God's character as a God of justice, who will ultimately avenge the wrongs committed.
  • Divine Remembrance and Concern for the Oppressed: "He remembereth them" emphasizes that God's remembrance is not mere recall, but an active, compassionate engagement with the plight of the victims. God's memory ensures that the suffering of the afflicted is never forgotten or overlooked, leading to divine intervention. This promise offers profound comfort to those who feel forgotten or powerless.
  • The Efficacy of the Humble's Cry: "He forgetteth not the cry of the humble" highlights that God pays particular attention to the prayers and laments of the humble, the afflicted, and those without earthly power. Their "cry" is a plea for help, a sign of their dependence on God, and it moves Him to action. This provides assurance that even the most vulnerable voices are heard by the Almighty, as seen in God hearing the cry of the Israelites in Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "inquisition" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent seeking, inquiring, or investigating. It signifies God's thoroughness in pursuing justice.
  • "Blood" (דָּמִים, damim) often refers not just to physical blood, but to the shedding of innocent blood, signifying violence, murder, or oppression that leads to death.
  • "Humble" (עֲנָוִים, anavim) refers to the afflicted, meek, or poor who are often subjected to oppression and have no recourse but to cry out to God. They are characterized by their dependence on Him, aligning with the spirit of those who are meek and rely on God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 9:12 serves as a powerful source of hope and encouragement. In a world often marked by injustice, violence, and the suffering of the innocent, this verse reminds us that God is actively engaged. It encourages those who are oppressed or witness injustice to continue to cry out to God, knowing that their prayers are heard and remembered. It also reinforces the call for believers to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly systems fail, and to advocate for the voiceless, knowing that God stands with the humble and afflicted. This verse provides comfort that God's timing is perfect and His judgment is sure, offering a firm foundation for faith amidst adversity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Exodus 3:7

    ¶ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
  • Psalms 34:6

    This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Genesis 9:5

    And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
  • Revelation 16:6

    For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
  • Revelation 6:9

    ¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
  • Revelation 6:10

    And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
  • Judges 10:16

    And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

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