For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was significant in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. This suggests that the psalm was not only a personal lament but also a communal prayer, reflecting the collective struggles and faith of the people.

A Psalm of David.
Attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his experiences and emotions. David, known as a man after God's own heart, often faced opposition and betrayal, which is a central theme in this psalm. The historical context of David's life, including his conflicts with Saul, Absalom, and other adversaries, provides a backdrop for understanding the intensity of his plea. David's psalms often serve as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the suffering and rejection Jesus would face.

O God of my praise,
David begins by acknowledging God as the source of his praise, emphasizing a relationship of trust and reverence. This phrase highlights the importance of worship and gratitude, even in times of distress. It connects to other scriptures where God is praised for His faithfulness and deliverance, such as in Psalm 22 and Psalm 34. The invocation of God as the object of praise sets the tone for the psalm, underscoring the belief that God is worthy of honor regardless of circumstances.

be not silent.
David's plea for God not to be silent reflects a deep desire for divine intervention and justice. In the cultural and historical context, silence from God could be perceived as absence or inaction, which was distressing for someone in dire need. This echoes other biblical instances where God's people cry out for Him to speak or act, such as in Habakkuk 1:2 and Psalm 28:1. The request for God to break His silence is a call for His presence and power to be made manifest in the face of adversity.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing a plea to God amidst adversity and false accusations.

2. God
Referred to as the "God of my praise," indicating a personal relationship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and worthiness of worship.

3. Enemies
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm involves adversaries who are speaking deceitfully against David.The Importance of Praise
Even in distress, David acknowledges God as the "God of my praise," teaching us to maintain a heart of worship regardless of circumstances.

God's Silence and Our Faith
When God seems silent, it is an opportunity to deepen our faith and trust in His timing and justice.

Responding to Adversity
David's response to his enemies is to turn to God rather than retaliate, setting an example for us to seek divine intervention rather than personal revenge.

The Power of Prayer
This verse highlights the importance of prayer as a means of communication with God, especially when facing trials.

Trust in God's Justice
David's plea is rooted in a belief that God will ultimately bring justice, encouraging us to trust in God's righteous judgment.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 109:1?

2. How does Psalm 109:1 encourage us to seek God's presence in adversity?

3. What does "God of my praise" reveal about David's relationship with God?

4. How can we apply David's example of prayer in our own challenges?

5. Which other Psalms emphasize calling on God in times of distress?

6. How does acknowledging God as our praise strengthen our faith daily?

7. What is the historical context of Psalm 109:1?

8. How does Psalm 109:1 reflect the nature of God?

9. Why does the psalmist call for God's silence to end in Psalm 109:1?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 109?

11. If the psalmist is invoking literal curses in Psalm 109:9–10, how could this align with a loving God?

12. Psalm 138:1 mentions praising God 'before the gods.' Does this suggest the existence of multiple deities, hinting at polytheism within a supposedly monotheistic text?

13. Why does Psalm 83:1 depict God as silent in the face of a dire threat, despite other scriptures portraying Him as actively intervening?

14. If Psalm 117:1 calls all nations to praise God, why does historical evidence suggest that many cultures never worshiped the Hebrew God at all?For the choirmaster

- The superscription shows this song was entrusted to the temple music leader, underscoring that the plea in verse 1 was meant to be sung by the gathered people, not kept private.

- Public worship turns individual pain into shared intercession. Psalm 5 and Psalm 57 bear similar notes, reminding us that personal cries become corporate when laid before the choirmaster.

- 1 Chronicles 15:16 portrays Levites appointed “to raise sounds of joy,” confirming that God designed music to carry both praise and lament.

---

A Psalm of David

- David’s name roots the psalm in real history (2 Samuel 23:1). We read his words not as abstract poetry but as Spirit-breathed record (2 Peter 1:21).

- The king who once fled Saul (1 Samuel 19) and was betrayed by friends (Psalm 41:9) knew what it felt like when heaven seemed silent; this authorship invites us to trust that the Lord hears such honesty.

- Acts 13:36 affirms David served God’s purpose in his generation—his songs still serve ours because Scripture remains enduringly accurate and reliable.

---

O God of my praise,

- David does not begin with complaint; he anchors himself in worship. By calling the LORD “my praise,” he acknowledges God as both the source and object of every good word sung.

- Psalm 22:3 says God is “enthroned on the praises of Israel,” underscoring that praise is not optional—it is a throne room God chooses to inhabit.

- Hebrews 13:15 echoes the same posture: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.”

---

be not silent

- Silence from heaven can feel crushing. David boldly asks God to break that silence, confident He speaks and acts (Psalm 28:1: “If You remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit”).

- Isaiah 64:12 records a similar lament, proving that even prophets wrestled with seasons when answers seemed delayed.

- Revelation 6:10 shows saints still cry, “How long, O Lord…?”—God’s people always long for His decisive voice.

- The request assumes God’s readiness to intervene; it is faith, not doubt, that dares to ask.

---

summary

The superscription lifts David’s personal cry into the congregation’s song, reminding us that worship welcomes honest lament. Authored by a real king under real stress, the verse models anchoring every plea in praise while boldly asking the living God to speak. Psalm 109:1, then, invites believers today to take their troubles straight to “the God of my praise,” trusting that the One who once broke silence for David will answer in His perfect timing and power.

(1) God of my praise.--That is, God to whom as covenant God it was a privilege to make tehillah. (See Deuteronomy 10:20-21, where Jehovah is said to be "the praise" of those who "swear by His name." Comp. also Psalm 106:2-3, and Note, and Psalm 33:1. Perhaps "God of my glory or boast" would more nearly give the force of the original. The psalmist prays that Jehovah's silence may not make his confident glorifying in the covenant promises vain.

Verses 1-5. - The initial prayer and complaint. The prayer occupies one verse only (ver. 1); the complaint four verses (vers. 2-5). Verse 1. - Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise (comp. Psalm 28:1; Psalm 35:22; Psalm 39:12). If God makes no sign when men arc grievously persecuted, he seems to be indifferent to their sufferings. Surely he will not thus treat one who praises him continually (Psalm 22:26; Psalm 71:6).

Parallel Commentaries ...


For the choirmaster.
לַ֭מְנַצֵּחַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

A Psalm
מִזְמ֑וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִ֣ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

O God
אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of my praise,
תְ֝הִלָּתִ֗י (ṯə·hil·lā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8416: Praise, song of praise

do not
אַֽל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be silent.
תֶּחֱרַֽשׁ׃ (te·ḥĕ·raš)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise


Psalm 109:1 NIV
Psalm 109:1 NLT
Psalm 109:1 ESV
Psalm 109:1 NASB
Psalm 109:1 KJV

Psalm 109:1 BibleApps.com
Psalm 109:1 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 109:1 Chinese Bible
Psalm 109:1 French Bible
Psalm 109:1 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 109:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)