Set over him a wicked man;
This phrase reflects a plea for divine justice against an adversary. In biblical context, the idea of setting a wicked man over someone suggests a form of judgment or punishment. The wicked man here could be seen as an instrument of God's justice, similar to how God used foreign nations to discipline Israel (e.g., Assyria and Babylon). Theologically, this reflects the principle that God can use even the unrighteous to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6 where Assyria is described as the rod of God's anger.

let an accuser stand at his right hand.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right hand was a place of honor and defense. An accuser standing at one's right hand implies a position of influence and authority, often associated with legal proceedings. This imagery is consistent with the role of Satan as the accuser in Job 1:6-12 and Zechariah 3:1, where he stands to accuse Joshua the high priest. Theologically, this can be seen as a call for divine retribution, where the adversary is subjected to the same scrutiny and judgment they impose on others. This also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of the accuser through Christ, who now intercedes for believers at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34).

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing a deep cry for justice against his adversaries. This psalm is often categorized as an imprecatory psalm, where the psalmist calls for God's judgment on his enemies.

2. Adversaries
The psalm speaks of those who have wronged David, possibly referring to specific individuals or a general group of enemies who have falsely accused or betrayed him.

3. Accuser
The Hebrew word used here is "satan," which means adversary or accuser. This term can refer to a human accuser or, in a broader sense, to spiritual opposition.

4. Right Hand
In biblical terms, the right hand is often a place of honor or power. Here, it is ironically the position of the accuser, indicating a place of influence or authority in the judicial process.

5. Judicial Imagery
The verse uses courtroom language, suggesting a legal setting where accusations are made, and justice is sought.Understanding Imprecatory Psalms
These psalms express raw human emotions and a desire for justice. They remind us that we can bring our deepest hurts and desires for justice to God.

The Role of the Accuser
Recognize the spiritual battle and the role of the accuser in our lives. We must be vigilant and rely on God's protection and justice.

Seeking God's Justice
While it is natural to desire justice, we must trust in God's timing and methods, knowing that He is the ultimate judge.

Responding to Adversaries
Reflect on Jesus' teachings to love and pray for our enemies, seeking to overcome evil with good.

The Power of Prayer
Use prayer as a means to process emotions and seek God's intervention in situations of injustice.(6) Set thou a wicked man over him.--This rendering is abundantly confirmed by Leviticus 26:16; Numbers 4:27; Numbers 27:16; Jeremiah 15:3; Jeremiah 51:27, against Hitzig's proposed "Pronounce against him--guilty," which also would only anticipate Psalm 109:7. (Comp., too, the noun "office" in Psalm 109:8, from the same verb.) The wish expressed is that the persons indicated may fall into the hands of an unscrupulous judge. If, however, we are to think of the divine judgment, then this clause must be taken as exactly parallel to the next: "Appoint a wicked man against him." Here the imprecatory part of the psalm begins, and it has been ingeniously argued that the whole of it (Psalm 109:6-20) is a quotation, giving, not the psalmist's curse on his foes, but theirs on him. Such quotations, without any introductory words, are common, and the theory is tenable, but improbable. . . . Verses 6-15. - The imprecatory portion of the psalm now begins. It is no doubt true to say, with Tholuck, that "no passion is discernible in the imprecations, dreadful as they are." Clearly the writer is not moved by personal feelings of hostility, but by a spirit of justice, and an intense abhorrence of sin. He delivers a calm judicial sentence. Still, the spirit of Christian love must ever shrink from such utterances, which belong to an earlier and less perfect dispensation (comp. Luke 9:51-56). Verse 6. - Set thou a wicked man over him; i.e. to judge him (see ver. 7). A persecutor deserves to be himself persecuted, an oppressor to be himself oppressed. "Nec lex justior ulla est, Quam necis artifices arte periresua." And let Satan stand at his right hand; rather, an adversary, or an accuser. In courts of justice the accuser stood at the accused person's right hand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Set
הַפְקֵ֣ד (hap̄·qêḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

over him
עָלָ֣יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a wicked man;
רָשָׁ֑ע (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

let an accuser
וְ֝שָׂטָ֗ן (wə·śā·ṭān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7854: An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of good

stand
יַעֲמֹ֥ד (ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his right hand.
יְמִינֽוֹ׃ (yə·mî·nōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south


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OT Poetry: Psalm 109:6 Set a wicked man over him (Psalm Ps Psa.)