seeking sustenance
The need to seek sustenance highlights the desperation and vulnerability of those who have lost their means of support. In the ancient Near East, sustenance was often tied to land and family inheritance, which were considered blessings from God (Deuteronomy 8:7-10). The loss of these resources would force individuals into a state of dependency and humiliation, as they would have to rely on the charity of others. This phrase underscores the severity of divine judgment and the reversal of fortune that can occur due to unrighteousness.

far from their ruined homes
The mention of "ruined homes" suggests a complete devastation of one's household and lineage. In the cultural context of the Bible, a home was not just a physical structure but a symbol of one's legacy and standing in the community. The destruction of a home would mean the loss of social status and security. This imagery is reminiscent of the consequences faced by those who opposed God's anointed, as seen in the stories of Saul and his descendants (1 Samuel 15:28). The distance from their homes also implies exile or displacement, a theme prevalent in the prophetic literature where disobedience leads to being cast out from the land (Jeremiah 29:4-7).

• David is calling down the consequences of the father’s sin upon his offspring, showing how seriously God views entrenched wickedness (Exodus 20:5; 2 Samuel 12:10–14).

• The verse does not teach that God arbitrarily punishes innocent youngsters; instead, it recognizes the biblical pattern that a parent’s rebellion carries real-world fallout for the family (Proverbs 11:29).

• By invoking the children, the psalmist underlines how far-reaching unrepentant evil can be, urging every reader to break the cycle through repentance and faith (Acts 3:19).

• “Wander” pictures instability—no settled place, no security. This mirrors the covenant curses for persistent disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:65).

• “Beggars” highlights utter dependence on others, the opposite of God’s intended blessing of sufficiency (Psalm 37:25 offers the righteous contrast).

• Together, the words press home the warning that sin shatters the stability God desires for families.

• Hunger is one of Scripture’s most vivid alarms, signaling that human resources have failed (Lamentations 1:11).

• The descendants of Eli stand as a historical parallel: “Everyone who is left in your house will come and bow down… for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread” (1 Samuel 2:36).

• The line urges us to remember that true provision flows from covenant faithfulness (Matthew 6:33).

• “Far from” pictures exile—forced separation from the land of promise (2 Kings 25:9–12).

• “Ruined homes” echoes prophetic laments: “May their dwelling place be desolate” (Psalm 69:25).

• Loss of home is more than economic; it is relational and spiritual displacement, a reminder that sin uproots people from God’s ordered blessing (Genesis 3:24 shows the first exile).

Psalm 109:10 is an imprecatory plea exposing how comprehensive the wages of sin can be: children affected, stability lost, hunger endured, and homes destroyed. By portraying the worst consequences, the Spirit presses us toward humble obedience and gratitude that, in Christ, every curse finds its limit and every repentant sinner finds mercy and secure dwelling (Galatians 3:13; John 14:2).

Desolate places.--Rather, ruins. They are imagined creeping out of the ruins of their homes to beg. But there was a different reading, followed by the LXX. and Vulg., "let them be driven out of their homes." This reading involves but a slight literal change. Comp.,

"Worse evil yet I pray for on my spouse;

Let him still live, through strange towns roam in want,

Exiled, suspected, cowering, with no home."

SENECA: Med., i. 19.