Psalm 10:1

Translations

Modern

Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?

Traditional

Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

Literal

Why, O YHWH, do You stand far off? Do You hide in times of distress?

Latin

Ut quid, Domine, recessisti longe; despicis in opportunitatibus, in tribulatione?

Original

Hebrew

English

Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?

Notes

Psalms 10:1

The opening questions set the mood. The Lord does not seem to hear the prayers of his people (Psalm 22:1, 19; see 2 Kings 4:27; Isaiah 1:15).

Psalms 10:1–18

The lament in Psalm 9:13–20 continues in Psalm 10 (see study note on Psalms 9–10). However, the mood shifts from confident statements to anguished questions. The psalmist prays for rescue, trusting that the Lord, as a just king, take care of the needy.

Psalms 9:1–10:18

This hymn celebrates the Lord's rule and triumph over evil. It may also respond to the laments in Psalms 3–7.

Some believe that Psalms 9 and 10 should be read together as one psalm in two parts. This is because Psalm 9 has a title, while Psalm 10 does not.

Despite some missing or inverted letters, the two psalms form an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. This means that each line or section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Other alphabetic acrostics include Psalms 25, 34, 37, 111–112, 119, and 145.

The ancient Greek and Latin translations treat Psalms 9 and 10 as one psalm.

Theme notes and profiles

David Questions and Doubt The Poor and Needy in the Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 22:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning?
Psalm 27:9
Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Psalm 13:1–3
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Psalm 44:24
Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and oppression?
Jeremiah 14:8
O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night?
Job 13:24
Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy?
Psalm 30:7
O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed.
Psalm 88:14
Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?
Job 34:29
But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,
Job 23:9
When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.

Glossary

Acrostic David Music Persecution Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Prayer Under Affliction for the Presence and Support of God Psalms: Didactic

Psalm 10:1

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