Psalms 109:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;

To the chief Musician {H5329}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. Hold not thy peace {H2790}, O God {H430} of my praise {H8416};

For the leader. A psalm of David: God, whom I praise, don't remain silent!

O God of my praise, be not silent.

Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;

Commentary

Psalm 109:1 (KJV) opens one of the most intense and emotional psalms attributed to King David, setting the stage for a profound cry to God in a time of deep distress and betrayal. This verse is a direct and urgent appeal from a heart burdened by suffering and injustice, seeking divine intervention.

Context

The superscription, "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David," indicates this psalm was intended for public worship and musical performance, reflecting its significance for the community of faith. Attributed to David, it aligns with many of his psalms that express personal anguish, lament, and prayers for deliverance from enemies. Psalm 109 is notably an imprecatory psalm, meaning it contains strong petitions for God's judgment against adversaries. Verse 1 serves as the foundational plea before the detailed accusations and curses that follow, revealing the psalmist's desperate need for God to act.

Key Themes

  • Urgent Plea for Divine Intervention: David's fervent cry, "Hold not thy peace, O God," is a desperate appeal for God to break His silence and intervene in a dire situation. It reflects a profound sense of urgency and dependence on divine action.
  • God as the Object of Praise and Trust: The phrase "O God of my praise" highlights David's unwavering devotion and identification of God as the sole object of his worship and adoration, even amidst persecution. This underscores a deep-seated trust that God, who is worthy of all praise, will ultimately respond to His faithful servant.
  • The Cry of the Persecuted: This verse encapsulates the heartfelt cry of someone suffering unjustly, appealing to the only true source of justice and deliverance. It resonates with the experience of many who feel abandoned or unheard in their trials.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "Hold not thy peace" is 'al-techerash' (אַל-תֶּחֱרַשׁ), which literally means "do not be silent" or "do not be deaf." It's an impassioned plea for God to not merely hear, but to actively respond and intervene. The title "God of my praise" ('Elohei tehillati' - אֱלֹהֵי תְהִלָּתִי) emphasizes that God is the One to whom David directs his praise, and from whom he expects salvation, reinforcing a covenantal relationship even under duress.

Practical Application

Psalm 109:1 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers today who face similar feelings of distress, betrayal, or apparent divine silence. It reminds us that:

  • It is acceptable to lament and express raw emotion to God: David’s prayer shows that honesty in prayer, even when desperate, is welcomed by God. We can bring our deepest pains and frustrations before Him, knowing He understands.
  • Even in silence, God remains the "God of our praise": Despite feeling unheard, our faith can rest on God's character as the One worthy of all praise. This foundational trust allows us to persist in prayer, knowing His timing and methods are perfect.
  • Persistence in prayer is vital: David's plea for God to "hold not thy peace" encourages us to continue seeking God's face and intervention when we are struggling, just as Jesus taught about persistent prayer in Luke 18:1.

This verse serves as a powerful opening to a psalm of intense suffering, yet it anchors the psalmist's hope firmly in the character and faithfulness of God, the ultimate source of justice and deliverance.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 28:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, [if] thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

  • Deuteronomy 10:21 (5 votes)

    He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

  • Psalms 83:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

  • Exodus 15:2 (4 votes)

    The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

  • Psalms 35:22 (3 votes)

    [This] thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.

  • Psalms 35:23 (3 votes)

    Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, [even] unto my cause, my God and my Lord.

  • Isaiah 42:14 (3 votes)

    I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.