May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May it be like a robeThe imagery of a "robe" in this verse is significant in biblical literature. In ancient times, a robe was not merely a piece of clothing but a symbol of one's status, identity, and authority. The Hebrew word for robe, "me'il," often denotes a garment of distinction. In the context of Psalm 109, the robe represents the curses and judgments that the psalmist, David, calls upon his adversaries. The robe, being an outer garment, signifies that these curses are to be visible and evident to all, enveloping the individual completely. This imagery is reminiscent of how righteousness is described as a garment in Isaiah 61:10, but here, it is the antithesis—an enveloping of judgment rather than blessing. wrapped about him
The phrase "wrapped about him" suggests an inescapable and intimate binding. The Hebrew root "ʿāṭâ" conveys the idea of enveloping or encircling. This reflects the comprehensive nature of the judgment David seeks against his enemies. Just as a robe is wrapped around the body, so too will the consequences of their actions be inescapably bound to them. This wrapping is not just a superficial covering but an integral part of their existence, indicating that the repercussions of their wickedness are both personal and pervasive. like a belt
A "belt" in biblical times was an essential part of one's attire, used to secure garments and often associated with readiness and strength. The Hebrew word "ḥagor" implies a girding that prepares one for action or battle. In this context, the belt symbolizes the permanence and binding nature of the curses. Unlike a robe, which can be removed, a belt is tightly fastened, suggesting that the judgment is not only encompassing but also firmly secured. This imagery underscores the idea that the adversaries cannot easily escape the consequences of their actions. tied forever around him
The phrase "tied forever" emphasizes the eternal and unbreakable nature of the judgment. The Hebrew word "tamid" means continually or perpetually, indicating that the consequences are not temporary but everlasting. This reflects the biblical principle of divine justice, where the wicked ultimately face enduring consequences for their actions. The permanence of the belt being "tied forever" serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the inescapable nature of divine retribution. It also contrasts with the eternal blessings promised to the righteous, highlighting the stark difference between the paths of the wicked and the faithful. 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 psalm is a plea for justice against those who have wronged David, possibly referring to specific adversaries during his reign. 3. GodThe ultimate judge and deliverer, to whom David directs his plea for justice and vindication. 4. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which the psalm was written, reflecting the struggles and spiritual life of the Israelites. 5. Imprecatory PsalmsA category of psalms that includes prayers for divine judgment against enemies, of which Psalm 109 is a part. Teaching Points Understanding Imprecatory PsalmsRecognize the historical and cultural context of imprecatory psalms as expressions of deep anguish and a desire for divine justice. The Power of WordsReflect on the impact of our words, both in prayer and in daily life, and how they can be used to bless or curse. Trusting God’s JusticeEmphasize the importance of entrusting our grievances to God, who is the ultimate judge and arbiter of justice. The Role of Righteous Anger
Consider how righteous anger can be directed towards seeking God’s intervention rather than personal vengeance.
Transformation through Christ
Encourage believers to seek transformation through Christ, who calls us to love and forgive our enemies.Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Psalm 109 help us interpret its message today?
2. In what ways can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God in our personal conflicts?
3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament challenge or complement the imprecatory nature of Psalm 109?
4. What are some practical ways we can use our words to bless others, even in difficult situations?
5. How can we balance expressing righteous anger with the call to love and forgive our enemies as followers of Christ?Connections to Other Scriptures Ephesians 6:14
This verse speaks of the "belt of truth," which contrasts with the "belt" of curses in Psalm 109:19, highlighting the difference between divine truth and human malice.
Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to love and pray for enemies offers a New Testament perspective on dealing with adversaries, contrasting with the imprecatory nature of Psalm 109.
Romans 12:19
Paul’s exhortation to leave vengeance to God aligns with David’s appeal to God for justice, emphasizing divine retribution over personal revenge.People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Always, Apparel, Band, Belt, Clothing, Constantly, Continual, Continually, Covereth, Covers, Daily, Forever, Garment, Girded, Girdeth, Girdle, Girds, Puts, Putteth, Raiment, Robe, Round, Tied, Wherewith, Wrapped, WrapsDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 109:19 5131 belt Psalm 109:6-20 6040 sinners Psalm 109:18-19 5144 cloak Psalm 109:18-20 6115 blame 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 109:19 NIVPsalm 109:19 NLTPsalm 109:19 ESVPsalm 109:19 NASBPsalm 109:19 KJV
Psalm 109:19 Commentaries
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