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Psalms 10:10 meaning

God protects the powerless and will bring justice despite outward appearances.

In Psalm 10, the psalmist describes the actions of the wicked who prey upon the vulnerable with cunning cruelty. He writes, “He crouches, he bows down, And the unfortunate fall by his mighty ones” (v.10), portraying a predator’s stealth and deceitful posture that allows him to ambush unsuspecting victims. The picture of crouching and bowing down signals the evil person’s readiness to pounce, suggesting that the wicked make themselves appear humble or powerless right before they strike. This heartless tactic can be seen as a distortion of genuine humility, contrasting with the humble attitude God desires of His people (Proverbs 3:34).

“He crouches, he bows down, And the unfortunate fall by his mighty ones” (v.10) further underscores the pain inflicted on the defenseless. The term “unfortunate” points to those who lack social standing or physical power to resist, and “mighty ones” evokes resources or companions who aid the oppressor in his schemes. This passage highlights the painful reality that evil people sometimes band together to bring about havoc, often overwhelming the poor who are left without protection. Across Scripture, God repeatedly demonstrates a heart for the downtrodden (Isaiah 1:17) and calls His people to act with justice and righteousness in response.

Even though the wicked appear to gain the upper hand, the psalmist’s hope rests in the belief that God will not turn a blind eye to such wrongdoing. This trust in divine justice echoes throughout the Psalms, culminating in the assurance that the Lord will ultimately hold each person accountable (Romans 14:12). In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates compassion to the needy and the marginalized (Matthew 9:36), revealing God’s unwavering commitment to those who suffer. Psalm 10:10 serves as a reminder that, though the wicked may plot and scheme, the Lord sees and defends His children.

Psalms 10:10