Ch. 10, 12, 13

Ch. 10

1-5
The arrogant wicked man who abuses the poor is introduced here – he renounces the Lord, says “there is no god,” and yet, he seems to prosper. The psalmist laments at this apparent injustice, wondering why the Lord seems “far away” and “hidden.” Most significant phrase in this first section: “your judgments are on high, out of his sight.” He may think he’s got it made, but the Lord’s judgment is not always obvious nor immediate. His walking on thin ice, and feeling confident about it.

6-11
His ignorant arrogance is flaming in this section: “I shall not meet adversity … murders the innocent … seizes the poor … says in his heart ‘God has forgotten… he will never see it’ ”

12-18
A plea to God to arise and remember the afflicted, to “break the arm of the evildoer.” The psalmist reminds himself that though the wicked doubt God’s justice (“you will not call to account”), God does see and will “take it into your hands.” His heart for the afflicted really shines through here as well: “to you the helpless commits himself, you have been the helper of the fatherless … you hear the desire of the afflicted … do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed.”

In summary – this psalm recognizes the injustice of living in a fallen world, where wicked arrogant men doubt God’s authority, and also diverts one’s response to this injustice from despair to hope, by affirming God’s authority and compassion for the afflicted. May we take part in joining God’s action against injustice and pointing the afflicted to His grace, while praying for the wicked that they may be broken and repent.

Ch. 12

David emphasizes what people are saying, what’s coming out of their mouths: “lies, flattering lips, tongue that makes great boasts.” In contrast to that: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined… purified seven times”

“because the needy groan, I will now arise … I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” God’s heart to meet those who are needy and act in their behalf.

Ch. 13

“sorrow in my heart all day” … David is constantly being honest about the struggles in his life and the sorrow in his heart, and he wonders how long it will last. He feels as if God is hiding his face from him. Is he? Maybe, maybe God wants him to trust in what is real, not in what he can feel. David’s request: “consider and answer me.” Conclusion, ends in faith: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Themes: the themes of wicked men, the afflicted, (often afflicted by wicked men), specifically-the author's enemies, and the author's trust in God, b/c He is righteous and good, a refuge to be trusted in.