Psalms 9:18

KJV

For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall [not] perish for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the needy {H34} shall not alway {H5331} be forgotten {H7911}: the expectation {H8615} of the poor {H6041}{H6035} shall not perish {H6} for ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the poor will not always be forgotten or the hope of the needy perish forever.

Berean Standard Bible

For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.

American Standard Version

For the needy shall not alway be forgotten, Nor the expectation of the poor perish for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 9:18 stands as a profound declaration of divine justice and unwavering care for the vulnerable. In a world often characterized by the oppression of the weak by the strong, this verse offers a powerful assurance that God does not forget the suffering of the afflicted. It proclaims that the enduring hope of the poor and needy, though seemingly delayed, will ultimately be vindicated and fulfilled by God's righteous intervention, ensuring that their expectation of deliverance will never ultimately perish.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a psalm of David, broadly categorized as a psalm of thanksgiving and praise for God's righteous judgment and deliverance from enemies. It opens with an exuberant praise for God's wondrous works and just judgments (verses 1-6), particularly His overthrow of the wicked. The psalm then transitions to extol God as the eternal King and righteous Judge who sits on His throne, administering justice to the nations (verses 7-10). Following this, David appeals to God for deliverance, emphasizing His role as a refuge for the oppressed (verses 11-12). The psalm then contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked, who are ensnared by their own devices and sent to Sheol (verses 15-17), with the secure hope of the righteous and the oppressed, culminating in the declaration of verse 18. This verse serves as the theological anchor, assuring that despite the apparent triumph of the wicked, God's justice will prevail, and the cries of the humble will not go unheard or unanswered forever.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, society was often stratified, with the wealthy and powerful frequently exploiting the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners—those without familial or political protection. The "needy" and "poor" in this context were not merely economically disadvantaged but often those who were vulnerable, oppressed, and lacked legal or social recourse. The concept of justice (מִשְׁפָּט, _mishpat_) was central to Israelite society, rooted in God's character as the ultimate Judge. Kings were expected to embody this divine justice, particularly in defending the cause of the poor (e.g., [Psalm 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1 "Psalm 72:1-4 - A Prayer for the King's Justice")). When human systems failed, the people's ultimate hope rested in God, who was understood to be the divine advocate for the marginalized. The psalm reflects a world where the righteous often suffered at the hands of the wicked, making the promise of divine remembrance and intervention profoundly significant for those living under oppression.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 9:18 encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, where God is portrayed as the ultimate arbiter who will right all wrongs and bring an end to oppression. This is a consistent message, as seen in passages like [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples") and [Psalm 58:11](/psalms/58-11 "Psalm 58:11 - The Righteous Will See Justice"). Another crucial theme is **God's Remembrance and Care for the Vulnerable**. The "needy" and "poor" are not forgotten by God, even when their suffering seems prolonged. This echoes God's covenantal faithfulness to His people, particularly those in distress, as emphasized in [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor"). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Enduring Hope and Vindication for the Righteous**. Despite present difficulties, the "expectation" or hope of the afflicted will not perish. This hope is anchored in God's character and His promise to ultimately deliver His people and establish His righteous kingdom, a hope that resonates with the broader prophetic vision of a future where justice rolls down like waters ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Needy (Hebrew, _‘evyon'_):** This term (אֶבְיוֹן) describes someone in a state of deep want, destitution, or affliction. It often points to a person who is not merely economically poor but also helpless, vulnerable, and dependent on others for survival. In a theological sense, it can also refer to those who are humble and completely reliant on God, acknowledging their inability to help themselves. God's attention to the _‘evyon_ underscores His compassion for the truly desperate.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _‘anavim'_):** This word (עֲנָוִים) carries a dual meaning. It can refer to the economically disadvantaged, but more profoundly, it often denotes the humble, meek, or afflicted. These are individuals who are lowly in spirit, often suffering oppression, but who respond with humility and trust in God rather than self-assertion or rebellion. Their "poverty" is often spiritual, characterized by a dependence on God rather than worldly power or wealth.
* **Expectation (Hebrew, _tiqvah'_):** This term (תִּקְוָה) is a strong word for hope, often implying a cord or line that holds fast. It signifies a firm and enduring confidence, an assured anticipation of a future good. The image of a "cord" suggests something tangible that one holds onto, providing security and connection. Thus, the "expectation of the poor" is not a fleeting wish but a deeply rooted, resilient hope in God's ultimate intervention and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the needy shall not alway be forgotten:"** This clause serves as a powerful reassurance, directly addressing the common experience of the oppressed feeling overlooked or abandoned. The phrase "not alway" (לָנֶצַח, _lanetsach_, "forever") is crucial; it acknowledges that there may be a period of apparent forgetfulness or delay in divine intervention, but this state is not permanent. God's memory is eternal, and His justice is certain. The suffering of the _‘evyon_ is seen and noted by God, and He will act in His perfect timing.
* **"the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever."** This parallel clause reinforces the first, focusing on the internal state of the afflicted—their hope. The "expectation" (_tiqvah_) of the _‘anavim_ is a confident, enduring hope in God's ultimate vindication and deliverance. The declaration that it "shall not perish for ever" means that this hope will ultimately be fulfilled; it will not be brought to nothing or utterly disappointed. This provides immense comfort, affirming that the faith and patient endurance of the humble will be rewarded, and their longing for justice will be satisfied.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the two clauses convey similar ideas using different but related terms. "The needy" in the first clause is paralleled by "the poor" in the second, and "shall not alway be forgotten" by "shall not perish for ever." This synonymous parallelism intensifies the message, reinforcing the certainty of God's remembrance and the enduring nature of the hope of the afflicted. There is also a subtle **Contrast** implied between the present experience of suffering and the future certainty of divine intervention. The "not alway" and "not for ever" highlight that while the current situation may seem bleak and endless, it is temporary in the light of God's eternal justice. The concept of "expectation" as a "cord" (from the root of _tiqvah_) can be seen as a **Metaphor**, subtly suggesting that hope is a lifeline that holds one fast to God's promises, preventing them from being utterly lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 9:18 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His special regard for the marginalized. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to human suffering but actively involved in the affairs of the world, particularly as the defender of the oppressed. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God's character is fundamentally righteous, and He will not tolerate injustice indefinitely. It serves as a powerful reminder that while the wicked may prosper for a time, their end is certain, and the cries of the afflicted are heard and will be answered. The "expectation of the poor" is not a naive wish but a divinely grounded hope, rooted in the very nature of a just and merciful God who remembers His covenant and His people.

* [Psalm 10:17-18](/psalms/10-17 "Psalm 10:17-18 - The Lord Hears the Desire of the Afflicted")
* [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Rob the Poor")
* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Song of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 9:18 offers a profound source of comfort and encouragement for anyone experiencing hardship, injustice, or a sense of being overlooked. In a world where the scales of justice often seem tipped against the vulnerable, this verse serves as a divine assurance that God sees, God hears, and God remembers. It calls us to cultivate a steadfast hope, a _tiqvah_ that holds fast to God's promises, even when His intervention seems delayed. For believers, this means trusting in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, knowing that our suffering is not in vain and our hope in Him will ultimately be fulfilled. Furthermore, this verse is a powerful call to action for the church and individual Christians. If God is the champion of the needy and the poor, then His followers are likewise called to embody His heart for justice and compassion. We are to be advocates for the marginalized, actively working to alleviate suffering, confront injustice, and extend mercy to those who are forgotten by society, reflecting God's own character in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you feel that justice is delayed or that the needy are forgotten? How does Psalm 9:18 speak to those feelings?**
* **What does it mean for your "expectation" or hope to "not perish for ever"? How can you cultivate and maintain this kind of enduring hope in challenging times?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His involvement in the world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to embody God's heart for the "needy" and "poor" in your own sphere of influence, locally or globally?**

### FAQ

**Question? What does "not alway be forgotten" imply about God's timing?**

Answer: The phrase "not alway be forgotten" (or "not forever") acknowledges that there might be a period of perceived delay or prolonged suffering for the needy and the oppressed. It does not mean God literally forgets, but rather that His intervention may not be immediate according to human timelines. Instead, it implies that while there may be a season of waiting, this state of being "forgotten" or oppressed is not permanent. God's ultimate justice and remembrance are certain and will manifest in His perfect timing. This truth encourages patient endurance and unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem bleak, as seen in passages like [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 9:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's justice and compassion for the needy and the poor. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently identified with the marginalized, bringing good news to the poor, healing the sick, and setting the oppressed free, as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me"). His Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, pronounces blessings upon the poor in spirit and those who mourn and hunger for righteousness, promising them the kingdom of heaven and ultimate satisfaction ([Matthew 5:3-6](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3-6 - The Beatitudes")). Jesus’s crucifixion, though appearing as the ultimate defeat for the "needy" Lamb of God, was in fact the ultimate act of divine justice, conquering sin and death. His resurrection guarantees that the "expectation" of all who hope in Him will not perish; it is the definitive proof of God's vindication and ultimate triumph over all evil. Ultimately, Christ will return as the righteous Judge, establishing His eternal kingdom where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain, and where the justice longed for by the needy throughout history will be perfectly realized ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Thus, the hope of Psalm 9:18 is not merely for temporal relief but for the eternal redemption found only in Christ.

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 12:5

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

Proverbs 23:18

For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Proverbs 24:14

So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Psalms 102:20

To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Psalms 102:17

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

Psalms 109:31

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.