Psalms 9:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 9:12 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His compassionate remembrance of the afflicted. It asserts that the shedding of innocent blood and acts of oppression never escape divine notice, as God diligently investigates and holds the wicked accountable. Simultaneously, it offers immense comfort and assurance to the humble and downtrodden, affirming that their desperate cries for help are not forgotten but actively heard by the Almighty, prompting His righteous intervention and judgment on their behalf.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a vibrant psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, celebrating God's righteous judgment and deliverance from his enemies. It opens with fervent praise for God's mighty deeds and transitions into a confident declaration of His eternal reign as a just judge over the nations. The preceding verses (9:7-10) establish God's throne as one of righteousness and equity, emphasizing His role as a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold for the persecuted. Verse 9:12 specifically fits within a section (9:11-12) that calls for the nations to sing praises to God because He "remembers" the humble and does not forget their cries, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked who are ultimately forgotten and perish. This verse reinforces the psalm's central theme: God is an active, just sovereign who defends the cause of the afflicted and punishes the oppressor, ensuring that divine justice ultimately prevails over all human evil and injustice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period of David's triumph over his adversaries, this psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship and divine justice. Earthly kings were expected to administer justice, protect the vulnerable, and avenge wrongs, yet they often failed. The psalm elevates Yahweh as the ultimate, unfailing King and Judge, whose justice is perfect and inescapable. The concept of "blood" (דָּם, _dam_) in the ancient world was deeply significant, often referring not just to physical blood but to the life principle itself. Its shedding, especially innocently, was considered a grievous offense against God's created order, demanding retribution and defiling the land. The "humble" (עֲנָוִים, _anavim_) were typically the poor, oppressed, marginalized, or those without earthly power or recourse. Their "cry" was a desperate plea for divine intervention, a common motif throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the cries of the Israelites under Egyptian bondage, which God heard and remembered, leading to their deliverance ([Exodus 2:23-24](/exodus/2-23-24 "Exodus 2:23-24 - God Hears Israel's Cry")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores God's **Active Justice and Judgment**, portraying Him as a diligent inquirer into injustice, particularly the shedding of innocent blood. This theme is foundational to understanding God's character as the moral governor of the universe, who will ultimately set all wrongs right and bring every hidden thing to light, as promised in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - God's Vengeance and Justice"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Remembrance and Compassionate Concern for the Oppressed**. God's "remembrance" is not a passive recall but an active, compassionate engagement that leads to intervention, assuring the afflicted that their suffering is never overlooked or forgotten. This divine attentiveness is a source of profound comfort for those who feel forgotten or powerless in the face of overwhelming injustice. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **The Efficacy of the Humble's Cry**, demonstrating that the prayers and laments of the meek, the dependent, and the afflicted are heard and move God to action, affirming that even the most vulnerable voices have direct access to the Almighty, a truth echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inquisition (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This word (H1875, דָּרַשׁ) is a primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." In this context, "maketh inquisition" implies a diligent, active, and thorough search or investigation. When applied to God, it conveys His meticulousness and unwavering commitment to uncovering and addressing wrongdoing, particularly concerning the shedding of innocent blood. It speaks to a divine accountability that leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that justice is not merely passive but actively pursued.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This term (H1818, דָּם) refers to "blood (as that which when shed causes death)." While singular in form here, in this context, it often carries the figurative sense of "bloodshed" or "bloodguiltiness," especially when referring to the unjust taking of life. God's "inquisition for blood" means He actively investigates and demands an account for such grave injustices, which are considered a defilement of the land and a direct offense against the sanctity of life given by God.
* **Humble (Hebrew, _ʻânâv'_):** This term (H6035, עָנָו) refers to those who are "depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)." It describes the afflicted, the meek, the poor, or those who are oppressed and without earthly power or recourse. They are characterized by their dependence on God, often as a result of their circumstances. Their "cry" is a desperate plea for help from their only true advocate. God's "remembrance" of their cry underscores His special care for the vulnerable and marginalized, whose only hope is found in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he maketh inquisition for blood":** This clause establishes God's active and vigilant role as a righteous Judge. It signifies that God does not ignore or overlook acts of violence, murder, or oppression, especially those involving the unjust taking of human life. He diligently seeks out and investigates such deeds, implying a divine accountability that ensures no injustice goes unnoticed or unpunished. This highlights His character as a God of justice who will hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
* **"he remembereth them":** This phrase refers to God's remembrance of the victims of bloodshed. God's "remembrance" is not a mere passive mental recall but an active, compassionate engagement that leads to intervention and vindication. It assures that the suffering, the loss, and the cries of those unjustly afflicted are never forgotten or overlooked by the divine mind, guaranteeing that their cause will be addressed and their wrongs will ultimately be righted.
* **"he forgetteth not the cry of the humble":** This final clause specifically identifies those whose cries God hears and remembers: the "humble," meaning the afflicted, the oppressed, and the meek. Their "cry" is a desperate plea for divine intervention, a lament born out of their powerlessness and dependence on God. God's unfailing memory of their cry underscores His deep empathy for the vulnerable and His readiness to respond to their distress, ensuring their voices are heard and their suffering is not in vain, but will lead to His righteous action.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 9:12 employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its theological message. **Personification** is evident in God's "inquisition" and "remembrance," attributing human-like actions of diligent investigation and active recall to the divine, thereby making God's justice relatable and immediate. The phrase "cry of the humble" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "cry" stands for the entire lament, prayer, and suffering of the afflicted, emphasizing the vocal expression of their distress and their desperate appeal to God. The parallel structure of "he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble" showcases a powerful form of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause reiterates and amplifies the truth of the first, reinforcing the certainty and steadfastness of God's active concern for the oppressed. This parallelism also highlights an implicit **Contrast** by juxtaposing God's remembrance of the humble with the eventual oblivion and destruction of the wicked, a pervasive theme throughout Psalm 9. The overall tone conveyed by these devices is one of profound **Assurance** and **Divine Sovereignty**, providing immense comfort to the suffering and a solemn warning to the oppressor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 9:12 is a foundational text for understanding God's character as both a righteous Judge and a compassionate Redeemer. It reveals that His justice is not abstract or detached but actively engaged with human suffering, particularly the heinous act of shedding innocent blood. This divine commitment to justice assures believers that no act of violence or oppression truly escapes His notice, and that ultimately, every wrong will be accounted for. Furthermore, the verse highlights God's special relationship with the humble and afflicted, demonstrating that their cries, born of vulnerability and dependence, activate His divine memory and prompt His intervention. This theological truth provides immense hope in a world often marked by injustice, affirming that God is the ultimate advocate for the voiceless and the tireless defender of the oppressed, promising that He will indeed avenge the wrongs committed against His people and establish His perfect righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 32:43](/deuteronomy/32-43 "Deuteronomy 32:43 - God Avenes His Servants' Blood")
* [Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - God Avenes His Elect")
* [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "Revelation 6:9-10 - The Cry of the Martyrs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often feels overwhelmed by injustice, violence, and the suffering of the innocent, Psalms 9:12 stands as a powerful beacon of hope and a profound call to faith. It reminds us that while earthly systems of justice may falter, and perpetrators may seem to escape accountability, there is a divine Judge who sees all, remembers all, and will ultimately set all wrongs right. This verse encourages those who are oppressed, or who witness oppression, to continue to cry out to God with unwavering confidence, knowing with absolute certainty that their prayers are heard and remembered by a compassionate God who does not forget the humble. It calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when the path forward seems unclear or immediate vindication is not seen. Furthermore, it challenges believers to embody God's heart for the humble and afflicted, compelling us to advocate for the voiceless, stand with the marginalized, and actively work for justice in our spheres of influence, knowing that we partner with a God who is deeply engaged in the plight of the suffering and whose righteous judgment will one day prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's "inquisition for blood" impact your perspective on current global injustices or personal experiences of wrongdoing?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, embody God's remembrance and active concern for the "humble" in your community or sphere of influence?**
* **What does it mean practically to offer the "cry of the humble" in today's world, and how can you cultivate a spirit of dependence on God in your own life?**
* **How does this verse strengthen your trust in God's ultimate justice, even when immediate circumstances seem to contradict it or when evil appears to triumph?**

### FAQ
**Does "inquisition for blood" imply God is vengeful?**

Answer: While the phrase "inquisition for blood" (דָּרַשׁ דָּמִים, _darash damim_) certainly indicates God's active pursuit of justice for innocent bloodshed, it's more accurately understood as divine retribution and accountability rather than mere vengeance in the human sense. God's justice is rooted in His perfect righteousness, His holiness, and His moral order for the universe. When innocent blood is shed, it is a grave offense against His creation and His character, a violation of the sanctity of life He bestows. Therefore, His "inquisition" is a necessary act to restore balance, uphold His divine law, and ensure that those who commit such atrocities are held accountable. This divine action is not driven by irrational anger or personal spite but by an unwavering commitment to justice and the defense of the vulnerable, ultimately ensuring that evil does not have the final word. It aligns with the principle that God will "repay" (as in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord")), but His repayment is always just, perfectly measured, and serves to establish His righteous reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 9:12 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "inquisition for blood" points forward to the perfect justice administered by the Son of God. While the Old Testament speaks of God's judgment against those who shed innocent blood, the greatest act of innocent bloodshed was the crucifixion of Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Yet, through this very act, God's ultimate justice and boundless mercy converged. On the cross, Christ bore the "inquisition for blood" for all humanity, becoming the innocent victim whose blood was shed, not for His own sin, but to atone for the sins of the world. This act of ultimate self-sacrifice means that for all who believe, the divine "inquisition for blood" is satisfied in Christ, and they are declared righteous through His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, Jesus Himself perfectly embodies the "cry of the humble." He was the ultimate humble servant, who, in His earthly ministry, identified completely with the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, declaring that the [meek would inherit the earth](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes"). His own "cry" from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), was the ultimate expression of dependence and human vulnerability, which God "remembered" in His glorious resurrection and exaltation. Thus, Christ is both the object of God's righteous judgment against sin (in His bearing of it) and the perfect embodiment of the humble whose cry is never forgotten, guaranteeing that all who trust in Him will find refuge, ultimate justice, and eternal comfort in His everlasting kingdom where God will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

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

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.