They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. They surround meThe phrase "They surround me" evokes an image of being encircled by adversaries, suggesting a sense of entrapment and vulnerability. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "סָבַב" (sabab), which means to encircle or encompass. This imagery is often used in the Psalms to describe a situation where the psalmist feels overwhelmed by enemies or troubles. Historically, this reflects the frequent conflicts faced by David, the attributed author of this psalm, who often found himself besieged by foes. Spiritually, it can symbolize the believer's experience of feeling beset by spiritual or emotional challenges. with hateful words
The phrase "with hateful words" indicates the nature of the attack—verbal rather than physical. The Hebrew word for "hateful" is "שֶׂנְאָה" (sin'ah), which denotes intense hostility or enmity. Words have the power to wound deeply, and this phrase highlights the malicious intent behind the speech directed at the psalmist. In a broader biblical context, this reflects the destructive power of the tongue, as seen in James 3:6, which describes the tongue as a fire. Theologically, it underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers may face slander and false accusations. and attack me
The phrase "and attack me" conveys a sense of aggression and hostility. The Hebrew verb "לָחַם" (lacham) is often used in the context of battle or warfare, suggesting a deliberate and forceful assault. This reflects the psalmist's experience of being under siege, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. Historically, David faced numerous attacks from both external enemies and internal betrayal, which this phrase encapsulates. For the believer, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced in life, where one must rely on God's strength and protection. without cause
The phrase "without cause" emphasizes the unjust nature of the attacks. The Hebrew word "חִנָּם" (chinnam) means gratuitously or without reason. This highlights the innocence of the psalmist and the baselessness of the accusations against him. In the biblical narrative, David often faced unwarranted hostility, as seen in his conflicts with Saul. This phrase reassures believers that God is aware of their innocence and the injustices they face. It encourages trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication, as He is a righteous judge who sees the truth of every situation. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's intervention against his enemies. 2. EnemiesThe unspecified adversaries who are attacking David with malicious intent and false accusations. 3. GodThe ultimate judge and protector whom David is appealing to for justice and deliverance. Teaching Points Understanding Unjust PersecutionRecognize that believers may face unjust accusations and hostility, as David did, and that this is part of the spiritual battle. Responding with PrayerLike David, we should turn to God in prayer when faced with unjust attacks, trusting in His justice and timing. Guarding Our WordsReflect on the power of words and strive to speak truth and love, avoiding the hateful speech that David's enemies used against him. Trusting God's JusticeRemember that God sees all and will ultimately bring justice, freeing us from the burden of seeking personal revenge. Loving Our EnemiesEmbrace Jesus' teaching to love and pray for those who persecute us, transforming our hearts and potentially theirs. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience with his enemies in Psalm 109:3 relate to the challenges we face today with false accusations or slander? 2. In what ways can we apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to situations where we feel surrounded by "hateful words"? 3. How does trusting in God's justice, as seen in Romans 12:19, change our perspective on dealing with those who attack us without cause? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our words reflect truth and love, rather than contributing to a cycle of hate? 5. How can we find comfort and strength in prayer, as David did, when facing unjust persecution or hostility? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 35Similar themes of unjust persecution and a plea for divine intervention are present, highlighting David's reliance on God amidst false accusations. Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching on loving enemies provides a New Testament perspective on dealing with those who attack us without cause. Romans 12:19Paul's exhortation to leave vengeance to God aligns with David's appeal for divine justice rather than personal retaliation. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Attack, Beset, Cause, Compassed, Encompassed, Fight, Fought, Hate, Hatred, Round, Surround, Surrounded, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 109:3 5568 suffering, causes Psalm 109:1-3 5480 protection Psalm 109:1-5 5951 slander Psalm 109:3-5 5875 hatred 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 109:3 NIVPsalm 109:3 NLTPsalm 109:3 ESVPsalm 109:3 NASBPsalm 109:3 KJV
Psalm 109:3 Commentaries
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