Arise!

Psalm 10

This psalm was originally the second half of Psalm 9 which means that it was also written by David. The psalm is another lament: the world is not as it should be. In this particular case, the complaint is that the wicked are taunting God with their words and actions and are getting away with it. David calls for the LORD to arise and ends by assuring himself and his congregation that God does see the trouble of the innocent and is keeping a record of it.
David uses some vivid imagery in this psalm. He compares the wicked to a lion who waits in ambush for the weak and helpless. He describes God twice as the defender of the fatherless. He calls for God to break the arms of the wicked so they won't be able to continue their reign of terror.
In my sermon this past weekend I talked about forgiveness. David doesn't have a very forgiving attitude in this psalm. I don't think this is what Jesus had in mind when he taught us to pray for those who persecute us and love our enemies. However, what I notice is that David is not taking revenge. He is asking God to act on behalf of the poor. Of course, it was a bit different in OT times because God did use people like David and all kinds of nations as his instrument of justice. But it is still instructive to notice who David leaves justice with: God. I can remain at peace because I know that the judge of all the earth will do what's right. Yes, there are times I wish he would act more swiftly. Yes, there are times I wish he would act less secretly. Yes, there are times I wonder if hell will burn hot enough to make up for the murder and abuse of the innocents in our world. But in the end, I trust that the LORD is King for ever and ever and there will come a time when mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror. In the mean time, I can pray the prayer of David: "Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless."