Psalms 10

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a lament over the apparent inactivity of God in the face of human wickedness (Psalms 10:1). The psalmist describes the wicked as arrogant, oppressive, and murderous, who defy God and exploit the vulnerable (Psalms 10:2-11). In contrast, the righteous trust in God, seek refuge in Him, and cry out for justice and deliverance (Psalms 10:12-18). The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's ultimate triumph over evil and the vindication of the righteous. Key verses include Psalms 10:4, which highlights the wicked person's disregard for God, and Psalms 10:14, which expresses the psalmist's trust in God's justice.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 10 is part of the larger collection of psalms, which express a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This chapter fits into the broader biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, highlighting the tension between human wickedness and divine righteousness. The chapter also resonates with other biblical themes, such as the struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of God's justice. In the context of the book of Psalms, chapter 10 serves as a lament and a cry for justice, pointing to the need for God's deliverance and redemption.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even in the face of apparent evil and injustice. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control and will vindicate the righteous, while judging the wicked. As we navigate the complexities of life, we can cry out to God for justice and deliverance, trusting in His goodness and righteousness.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 10 is a chapter about the wickedness of humanity and the justice of God. The psalmist cries out to God for justice and deliverance, highlighting the tension between human wickedness and divine righteousness. In Psalms 10:1-11, the psalmist describes the wicked as arrogant and oppressive, while in Psalms 10:12-18, he expresses trust in God's justice and deliverance.

Voices from the Church

“The wicked may seem to prosper, but their prosperity is short-lived, for God will ultimately bring them to justice.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The righteous must trust in God, even when the wicked seem to triumph, for God's justice will ultimately prevail.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Wickedness of Humanity (Psalms 10:1-11) — The psalmist describes the wicked as arrogant, oppressive, and murderous, highlighting their disregard for God and their exploitation of the vulnerable.
2. The Cry for Justice (Psalms 10:12-14) — The psalmist cries out to God for justice and deliverance, expressing his trust in God's sovereignty and righteousness.
3. The Confidence in God's Justice (Psalms 10:15-18) — The psalmist declares his confidence in God's justice, affirming that God will ultimately triumph over evil and vindicate the righteous.
4. The Ultimate Triumph of God (Psalms 10:16-18) — The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's ultimate triumph over evil, highlighting His sovereignty and justice.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 10:18) — The psalmist concludes by affirming God's justice and sovereignty, encouraging believers to trust in Him.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is ultimately in control, even when evil seems to triumph, and that He will vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked.

The Justice of God

The chapter highlights God's justice, emphasizing that He will ultimately bring the wicked to justice and vindicate the righteous.

The Nature of Humanity

The chapter describes the wickedness of humanity, highlighting the sinful nature of humanity and the need for redemption and salvation.

The Importance of Trust

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even in the face of adversity and injustice, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him.

Lessons from Psalms 10

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches that trusting in God is essential, even in the face of adversity and injustice, and that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
2. The Reality of Human Wickedness — The chapter highlights the reality of human wickedness, emphasizing the need for redemption and salvation.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is ultimately in control, even when evil seems to triumph, and that He will judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous.
4. The Importance of Crying Out to God — The chapter encourages believers to cry out to God for justice and deliverance, trusting in His sovereignty and righteousness.
5. The Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter concludes by affirming God's ultimate triumph over evil, highlighting His justice and sovereignty.

Themes from Psalms 10

1. The Struggle between Good and Evil — The chapter highlights the struggle between good and evil, emphasizing the tension between human wickedness and divine righteousness.
2. The Importance of Justice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice, highlighting God's sovereignty and righteousness.
3. The Nature of Humanity — The chapter describes the wickedness of humanity, emphasizing the need for redemption and salvation.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is ultimately in control, even when evil seems to triumph, and that He will judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous.
5. The Importance of Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even in the face of adversity and injustice, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him.

Questions for Meditation

1. How does the chapter describe the wicked, and what are the consequences of their actions?
2. What is the psalmist's cry for justice, and how does it relate to God's sovereignty?
3. How does the chapter encourage believers to trust in God, even in the face of apparent evil and injustice?
4. What is the ultimate triumph of God, and how does it relate to the vindication of the righteous?
5. How can believers apply the teachings of this chapter to their own lives, particularly in times of adversity and injustice?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 10

	Sermon	Description
	When God Quits Speaking by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and obeying His commands. He warns that there may come a time when God stops speaking to us if we
	The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah (Kwasizabantu) by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal testimony of being a former homosexual who was saved by the Lord. He expresses his concern and frustration with the acceptance and
	Spiritual Warfare - 1 "The Battle" by Jim Logan	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a troubled young man who experienced a downward spiral in his life due to the influence of evil spirits. The speaker empha
	Jesus Christ My Glory by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the corrupt state of the world, drawing parallels between the present day and the biblical times. The preacher emphasizes that God's nature
	The Communion of Saints by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of the communion of saints, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 13:14. He emphasizes that what one shares is a reflection of what one is
	Under Sin by Don McClure	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals
	Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the urgency of seeking God and making a decision for Christ, warning about the consequences of delaying repentance and the reality of judgment. It shares pow
	God's Holiness - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the hatred of sin in the eyes of God. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including Luke 1
	Prevailing Prayer - God Always Triumphs by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of prevailing prayer, highlighting three keys: perseverance in prayer, knowing who you are praying to, and humbling yourself to be heard b
	The Sin of Pride, Nimrod by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, identifying it as the root cause of many personal and relational issues, including conflicts in marriages and workplaces.

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 10

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 10 highlights the contrast between the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty. Henry notes that the psalmist's cry for justice is a call to God to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even in the face of adversity and injustice, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him. Henry's commentary concludes by affirming God's ultimate triumph over evil and the vindication of the righteous, highlighting God's justice and righteousness (Psalms 10:16-18). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?