What happensPermalink
David cries out, wondering why God seems distant as the wicked thrive and evade judgment. Yet he affirms that God sees and will act, defending the oppressed and fatherless and bringing justice in His perfect time.
Why it mattersPermalink
This psalm completes the acrostic begun in Psalm 9, balancing God’s past deliverance with trust in His future justice. Though the wicked mistake God’s patience for indifference (Ecclesiastes 8:11), David reminds us that God hears the cries of the oppressed (Exodus 3:7) and will strengthen their hearts and judge the wicked (Romans 2:4–5). Jesus fulfills this hope, proclaiming liberty for the oppressed (Luke 4:18) and returning in perfect judgment (Revelation 19:11).
Key versePermalink
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.