Psalm 10 18

Psalm 10:18 kjv

To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

Psalm 10:18 nkjv

To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

Psalm 10:18 niv

defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

Psalm 10:18 esv

to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:18 nlt

You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Psalm 10 verses

Psalm 10 18 Meaning

Psalm 10:18 articulates a fervent plea for divine intervention against rampant wickedness and oppression. It expresses the conviction that the LORD will administer justice to those who are vulnerable, specifically the orphan and the downtrodden. The ultimate aim of this divine judgment is to abolish the reign of terror inflicted by human beings who, despite their earthly frailty, act with destructive arrogance. It underscores God's commitment to vindicating the weak and curbing the power of those who misuse their earthly existence to perpetrate evil.

Psalm 10 18 Context

Psalm 10 stands as a profound lament and fervent prayer amidst a context of unchecked evil. It is a plea to God when human wickedness seems triumphant and divine justice appears absent or delayed. The chapter portrays the arrogant, godless oppressor who preys on the weak, denying God's existence or His concern for justice. The wicked prosper, boasting of their deeds and disregarding God. Amidst this despair, the psalmist calls upon the seemingly hidden God to "arise" (v. 12) and act. Verse 18 is the hopeful culmination of this prayer, a declaration of faith in God's ultimate justice. It posits God as the supreme Judge, who will restore order by defending the most vulnerable in society, the orphans and the oppressed, thereby neutralizing the terrifying power of human wickedness, which has no eternal basis. Historically, Israel understood justice as central to their covenant with Yahweh, especially concerning the disadvantaged, a stark contrast to surrounding cultures where power often dictated rights.

Psalm 10 18 Word analysis

• To judge (לִשְׁפֹּט - lishpot): This word goes beyond merely passing a verdict. It carries the sense of administering justice, defending, vindicating, and governing. It implies active intervention to rectify wrong, not just a passive evaluation. In this context, it signifies God's personal and forceful involvement on behalf of the afflicted.

• The orphan (יָתוֹם - yatom): A universally recognized symbol of profound vulnerability, lacking a protector, legal representative, or provider. Along with widows and sojourners, orphans represented the weakest strata in Israelite society, whom God explicitly commanded to be protected (Deut 10:18). Their plight is a litmus test for a just society.

• And the oppressed (וָעָשׁוּק - va'ashuq): Refers to those who have been wronged, exploited, or crushed underfoot, often by those in power. It describes someone subjected to violence, economic exploitation, or legal injustice. The Hebrew implies one who has been squeezed or forced down, indicating a continuous state of affliction.

• So that man (בִּלְתִּי יֹסִף אָדָם - bilti yosif adam): This phrase indicates purpose and cessation. "Man" here uses אָדָם (adam), referring to humanity in general, or possibly to mankind in their fallen, earthly state. The intent is for this type of man to stop his actions.

• Who is of the earth (מִן־הָאָרֶץ - min ha'aretz): Lit. "from the earth." This highlights humanity's finite, mortal, and creaturely nature. It underscores their transient existence and inherent limitations, contrasting sharply with the eternal, divine Judge. It also subtly emphasizes that man's power and terror are ultimately rooted in a temporary, corruptible source.

• May no longer cause terror (עוֹד לַעֲרֹץ - od la'arotz): The root עָרַץ (aratz) means to terrify, to dread, or to oppress violently. The full phrase signifies that such destructive, fear-inducing power exercised by humans will cease entirely. It's a desire for the complete eradication of oppressive terror inflicted by sinful humanity.

• "To judge the orphan and the oppressed": This phrase expresses God's specific commitment to social justice. His nature dictates His active involvement on behalf of the marginalized, providing their necessary defense and upholding their rights when no one else will. It’s a core aspect of His righteous character revealed in the Law and Prophets.

• "So that man, who is of the earth, may no longer cause terror": This speaks to the divine aspiration for order and peace. The destructive power of earthly man, often inflated by arrogance and forgetfulness of his creaturely status, must be brought to an end for true peace to prevail. God's judgment isn't just punitive; it's restorative, eliminating the source of disorder and fear.

Psalm 10 18 Bonus section

Psalm 10 forms a distinct thematic and structural unit with Psalm 9, often considered a single alphabetical (acrostic) psalm. Psalm 9 ends with a focus on God's judgment against the nations and for the oppressed, setting a hopeful tone. However, Psalm 10 introduces the raw reality of contemporary injustice, a world where the wicked seemingly thrive and God appears hidden. Verse 18 serves as the anchor point that pulls the seemingly disjointed pleas of Psalm 10 back into the confident theological framework established in Psalm 9. It’s the final cry of assurance that despite the present chaos, the psalmist's understanding of God's unchanging nature guarantees eventual intervention. This transition from a global expectation of judgment (Psalm 9) to a more personal and immediate plea (Psalm 10), culminating in the reassertion of divine justice (v. 18), showcases a nuanced understanding of faith that grapples with current suffering while holding onto ultimate hope. The phrase "man, who is of the earth" (אֱנוֹשׁ מִן־הָאָרֶץ) specifically utilizes אֱנוֹשׁ (enosh) which highlights humanity in its weakness and mortality, distinct from אָדָם (adam) which is a more generic term for mankind. This choice emphasizes the profound irony: it is the frail and mortal who are causing such immense terror, and it is their terror, precisely because it comes from a perishable source, that God will ultimately subdue.

Psalm 10 18 Commentary

Psalm 10:18 provides the climactic hope in a psalm dominated by despair over the unchecked wickedness of humans. The psalmist expresses deep faith that despite appearances, God is not absent or indifferent. He will certainly "judge" (act decisively as a just sovereign) on behalf of the "orphan and the oppressed," those society typically overlooks or exploits. This declaration underlines a fundamental biblical truth: God's character is inextricably linked with justice for the vulnerable. The ultimate outcome of this divine intervention is not merely punishment for the wicked, but the cessation of human terror. "Man, who is of the earth," referring to the mortal, frail, yet terribly destructive human who acts as if self-sufficient, will be stripped of his power to terrify. God's judgment will put an end to human tyranny, paving the way for an era where true justice and peace prevail, thereby confirming His supreme authority over all creation and restoring divine order. This promise reminds believers that human evil, however potent it seems, is temporary and ultimately subject to the sovereign will of the Eternal God.