The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The cursing he lovedThis phrase highlights the self-destructive nature of embracing negativity and malice. The Hebrew root for "cursing" is "קְלָלָה" (qelalah), which implies a curse or an imprecation. Historically, curses were considered powerful and binding, often invoking divine judgment. The psalmist, traditionally David, is likely referring to an individual who delights in bringing harm to others through words. This reflects a heart condition that is contrary to the teachings of love and forgiveness found throughout Scripture. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a warning against harboring bitterness and the spiritual consequences of such actions. may it fall on him
This phrase is a plea for divine justice, where the consequences of one's actions return upon them. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) means "to come" or "to fall upon," suggesting an inevitable return of one's chosen path. In the biblical context, this reflects the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." The psalmist is invoking a divine principle where the wicked receive the fruit of their deeds, emphasizing God's justice. the blessing he refused to delight in
Here, the psalmist contrasts the curse with the blessing, using the Hebrew word "בְּרָכָה" (berakah) for "blessing," which signifies prosperity, peace, and divine favor. The refusal to delight in blessing indicates a rejection of God's goodness and grace. Historically, blessings were seen as tangible expressions of God's favor, often associated with covenantal promises. This phrase underscores the tragedy of rejecting God's gifts, which are meant to bring joy and fulfillment. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, it serves as a reminder to embrace and cherish the blessings God offers, aligning one's heart with His will. may it be far from him
This phrase expresses a desire for the absence of blessing in the life of one who rejects it. The Hebrew word "רָחַק" (rachak) means "to be far" or "to distance," indicating a separation from divine favor. In the biblical narrative, distance from God and His blessings often results in spiritual and physical desolation. The psalmist's imprecation is not merely punitive but serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God's provision. In a conservative Christian context, it highlights the importance of seeking and valuing God's blessings, understanding that they are integral to a life of faith and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing a deep lament and imprecation against his enemies. 2. Enemies of DavidThe individuals who are the subject of David's imprecations, characterized by their love of cursing and rejection of blessing. 3. GodThe ultimate judge and the one to whom David appeals for justice against his adversaries. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to bless or curse. As believers, we are called to use our words to bless others, reflecting the character of Christ. Consequences of ActionsLoving cursing and rejecting blessing leads to spiritual and relational consequences. We must be mindful of the seeds we sow with our words and actions. The Call to BlessIn contrast to the one who loves cursing, Christians are called to be a blessing to others, even to those who may curse us, following the example of Jesus. God's JusticeTrust in God's justice and timing. While we may feel wronged, we are encouraged to leave vengeance to the Lord and focus on living righteously. Heart AttitudeExamine your heart for any delight in negativity or harm towards others. Seek to cultivate a heart that delights in blessing and goodness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the love of cursing, as described in Psalm 109:17, manifest in today's world, and how can we guard against it in our own lives? 2. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to respond with cursing. How might applying Matthew 5:44 have changed the situation? 3. In what ways can we actively choose to delight in blessing others, even when it is difficult? 4. How does understanding God's justice help us to release our desire for personal vengeance? 5. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your words are a source of blessing rather than cursing? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 30:19This verse presents the choice between life and death, blessing and cursing, highlighting the importance of choosing blessing, which contrasts with the subject of Psalm 109:17 who loves cursing. Proverbs 26:2This proverb speaks to the idea that an undeserved curse does not come to rest, which can be related to the consequences faced by those who love cursing. Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching to bless those who curse you provides a New Testament perspective on how to respond to cursing, contrasting with the Old Testament imprecations. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Blessing, Curse, Curses, Cursing, Delight, Delighted, Didn't, Loved, Loveth, Meeteth, Pleasure, Pronounce, Reviling, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 109:6-20 6040 sinners Psalm 109:17-18 5430 oaths, human Library Psalm. Cix. 21. ; Micah, vi. 9
Psalm. cix. 21.; Micah, vi. 9. Sweet is Thy mercy, O my God! When humbled at Thy feet, I learn the lessons of Thy rod, Thy mercy, Lord, is sweet. For Thou dost not in wrath chastise, But when I go astray, "Return," a voice behind me cries, "Walk here;--this is the way." Impatient of Thine easy yoke, If heedless yet I roam, Some sharp affliction, with a stroke Of kindness, warns me home. That godly sorrow then I feel, Which nothing can control, Until the hand that wounded, heal, That bruised me, …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and HymnsIf Anyone Shall Say that Jesus as Man is Only Energized by the Word Of...
If anyone shall say that Jesus as man is only energized by the Word of God, and that the glory of the Only-begotten is attributed to him as something not properly his: let him be anathema. Notes. Nestorius. VII. If any one says that the man who was formed of the Virgin is the Only-begotten, who was born from the bosom of the Father, before the morning star was (Ps. cix., 3) [256] , and does not rather confess that he has obtained the designation of Only-begotten on account of his connection with …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils First Antiphon and Psalm
Third Tone (a ending) Chanter Dum esset rex Choir in accubitu suo, nardus mea dedit odorem suavitatis. Alleluia. Dixit Dominus (Psalm 109) 1. Dixit Dominus, Domino meo: Sede a dextris meis: 2. Donec ponam inimicos tuos, scabellum pedum tuorum. 3. Virgam virtutis tuae emitte Dominus ex Sion: dominare in medio inimicorum tuorem. 4. Tecum principium in die virtutis tuae in splendoribus sanctorum: ex utero ante luciferum genui te. 5. Juravit Dominus, et non paenitebit eum: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum …
Various—The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Fourteenth Day. Endurance in Contradiction.
"Who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself."-- Heb. xii. 3. What endurance was this! Perfect truth in the midst of error; perfect love in the midst of ingratitude and coldness; perfect rectitude in the midst of perjury, violence, fraud; perfect constancy in the midst of contumely and desertion; perfect innocence, confronting every debased form of depravity and guilt; perfect patience, encountering every species of gross provocation--"oppressed and afflicted, He opened not His mouth!" …
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
When geologists began to ask whether changes in the earth's structure might be explained by causes still in operation, they did not disprove the possibility of great convulsions, but they lessened necessity for imagining them. So, if a theologian has his eyes opened to the Divine energy as continuous and omnipresent, he lessens the sharp contrast of epochs in Revelation, but need not assume that the stream has never varied in its flow. Devotion raises time present into the sacredness of the past; …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How Intent the Ruler Ought to be on Meditations in the Sacred Law.
But all this is duly executed by a ruler, if, inspired by the spirit of heavenly fear and love, he meditate daily on the precepts of Sacred Writ, that the words of Divine admonition may restore in him the power of solicitude and of provident circumspection with regard to the celestial life, which familiar intercourse with men continually destroys; and that one who is drawn to oldness of life by secular society may by the aspiration of compunction be ever renewed to love of the spiritual country. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Water of Life;
OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL, AS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE BY THIS TERM, THE WATER OF LIFE. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'--Revelation 22:17 London: Printed for Nathanael Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Often, and in every age, the children of God have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace; whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 109:17 NIVPsalm 109:17 NLTPsalm 109:17 ESVPsalm 109:17 NASBPsalm 109:17 KJV
Psalm 109:17 Commentaries
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