Bible Commentary

Psalms 10:1

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 10:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Here is the key-note struck at once. Why does God stand aloof? Why, after delivering his people from their foreign foes, does he not interfere to protect his true people from their domestic oppressors?

"Throughout the reign of David," as it has been truly observed, "Palestine was infested by brigands, and disturbed by a factious nobility". Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? "Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself," says Isaiah ().

And so Job complains, "He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (). He seems neither to see nor hear. The psalmist inquires—Why? It can only be answered, "In his wisdom; for his own purposes; because he knows it to be best."

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 10:1

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Psalms 10:1-11Psalms 10:1-11 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryGod's withdrawings are very grievous to his people, especially in times of trouble. We stand afar off from God by our unbelief, and then complain that God stands afar off from us. Passionate words against bad men do mor…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 10:1-18Psalms 10:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION This psalm is to some extent connected with the preceding one, but not very closely. It has turns of expression which are identical, and not common elsewhere; e.g. "in times of trouble" (Psalms 10:1; comp. Ps…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 10:1-18Psalms 10:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryWhy? or, Hard facts and puzzling questions. Whether or no this psalm was originally a part of the ninth is a question which, as may be seen, is discussed by many expositors. The mere absence of a title to it is, however…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 10:1-18Psalms 10:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryTimes of darkness and fear. The experiences of the psalmist may differ from ours, but by faith and sympathy we can enter into his feelings. Besides, there is always more or less of trouble. Life is full of vicissitudes.…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 10:1-18Psalms 10:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe righteous God. The one grand thought which runs through this psalm and most of the Old Testament literature is that God, notwithstanding all appearances to the contrary, is a Righteous Being, and that all wickedness…