What does Psalms 10:1 mean?
"Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?" - Psalms 10:1
Psalms 10:1 - "Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?"
The Bible verse Psalms 10:1 in the King James Version (KJV) reads:
"Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?"
This verse comes from the book of Psalms, which is a collection of poetic prayers and songs, often attributed to King David. The Psalms encompass a wide range of emotions and experiences, from joy and praise to lament and sorrow. This particular verse reflects the psalmist's feeling of abandonment and confusion in the face of adversity.
The theme of God's presence in times of trouble is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, and it is particularly poignant in this verse. The psalmist is beseeching God, questioning why He seems distant and hidden in the midst of their distress. This theme resonates with many people, as it addresses the universal struggle of feeling abandoned or overlooked by God in times of difficulty.
The context of Psalms 10:1 is one of anguish and despair. The preceding verses in the chapter describe the wickedness and oppression of the enemies of the psalmist. They are described as lying in wait, hunting down the poor and innocent, and arrogantly believing that God does not see or care about their actions. This sets the stage for the psalmist's cry to God in verse 1, as they grapple with the seeming injustice of God's apparent distance in the face of such cruelty.
Symbolism is also at play in this verse. The idea of God "standing afar off" and "hiding" Himself carries a powerful image of God's perceived absence. The psalmist's use of these metaphors reflects a sense of longing and desperation for God's nearness and intervention. The symbolism of God's distance speaks to the larger human experience of feeling abandoned or alone in times of trouble, and the deep yearning for divine reassurance and care.
From a Christian perspective, Psalms 10:1 can also be viewed in light of the New Testament understanding of God's presence in times of trouble. In the person of Jesus Christ, God entered into the suffering and brokenness of the world, experiencing the full range of human pain and emotion. This provides a lens through which to interpret the psalmist's plea for God's closeness, as Christians believe that God does indeed draw near to those who are hurting and in need.
Overall, Psalms 10:1 powerfully captures the raw emotions of despair and longing for God's presence in the midst of adversity. It speaks to the timeless human experience of feeling abandoned and questioning God's nearness in times of trouble. The verse's themes, context, and symbolism all contribute to its enduring relevance and resonance for those who turn to the Psalms for solace and supplication.
Psalms 10:1 Artwork
Psalms 10:1 - "Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?"
Psalms 10:10 - "He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones."
Psalms 30:10 - "Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper."
Psalms 39:10 - "Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand."
Psalms 128:1 - "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways."
Psalms 122:1 - "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."
Psalms 16:10 - "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."
Psalms 64:1 - "Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy."
Psalms 31:10 - "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed."
Psalms 55:1 - "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication."
Psalms 17:10 - "They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly."
Psalms 63:10 - "They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes."
Psalms 9:1-2
Psalms 92:1 - "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"
Psalms 108:1 - "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory."
Psalms 148:10 - "Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:"
Psalms 83:10 - "Which perished at En-dor: they became as dung for the earth."
Psalms 26:10 - "In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes."
Psalms 7:10 - "My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart."
Psalms 135:10 - "Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;"
Psalms 78:10 - "They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;"
Psalms 104:10 - "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."
Psalms 105:10 - "And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:"
Psalms 10:18 - "To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."
Psalms 50:10 - "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."
Psalms 107:10 - "Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;"
Psalms 115:10 - "O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield."
Psalms 136:10 - "To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Psalms 147:10 - "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."
Psalms 10:16 - "The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land."