The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him;David asks that the wicked man’s chosen evil return upon him in righteous judgment. Having delighted in calling down harm on others, he would receive the very calamity he sought. Psa 7:15-16 He has dug a hole and hollowed it out;… the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The man rejected God’s goodness and showed no desire for the favor, peace, and provision that accompany obedience. His separation from blessing is the fitting consequence of a hardened heart that despised it. Mal 2:2 If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing a deep lament and imprecation against his enemies. 2. Enemies of David The individuals who are the subject of David's imprecations, characterized by their love of cursing and rejection of blessing. 3. God The ultimate judge and the one to whom David appeals for justice against his adversaries. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to bless or curse. As believers, we are called to use our words to bless others, reflecting the character of Christ. Consequences of Actions Loving cursing and rejecting blessing leads to spiritual and relational consequences. We must be mindful of the seeds we sow with our words and actions. The Call to Bless In contrast to the one who loves cursing, Christians are called to be a blessing to others, even to those who may curse us, following the example of Jesus. God's Justice Trust in God's justice and timing. While we may feel wronged, we are encouraged to leave vengeance to the Lord and focus on living righteously. Heart Attitude Examine your heart for any delight in negativity or harm towards others. Seek to cultivate a heart that delights in blessing and goodness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the love of cursing, as described in Psalm 109:17, manifest in today's world, and how can we guard against it in our own lives?2. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to respond with cursing. How might applying Matthew 5:44 have changed the situation? 3. In what ways can we actively choose to delight in blessing others, even when it is difficult? 4. How does understanding God's justice help us to release our desire for personal vengeance? 5. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your words are a source of blessing rather than cursing? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 30:19This verse presents the choice between life and death, blessing and cursing, highlighting the importance of choosing blessing, which contrasts with the subject of Psalm 109:17 who loves cursing. Proverbs 26:2 This proverb speaks to the idea that an undeserved curse does not come to rest, which can be related to the consequences faced by those who love cursing. Matthew 5:44 Jesus' teaching to bless those who curse you provides a New Testament perspective on how to respond to cursing, contrasting with the Old Testament imprecations.
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Blessing, Curse, Curses, Cursing, Delight, Delighted, Didn't, Loved, Loveth, Meeteth, Pleasure, Pronounce, Reviling, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 109:6-20Library Psalm. Cix. 21. ; Micah, vi. 9Psalm. cix. 21.; Micah, vi. 9. Sweet is Thy mercy, O my God! When humbled at Thy feet, I learn the lessons of Thy rod, Thy mercy, Lord, is sweet. For Thou dost not in wrath chastise, But when I go astray, "Return," a voice behind me cries, "Walk here;--this is the way." Impatient of Thine easy yoke, If heedless yet I roam, Some sharp affliction, with a stroke Of kindness, warns me home. That godly sorrow then I feel, Which nothing can control, Until the hand that wounded, heal, That bruised me, … James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns If Anyone Shall Say that Jesus as Man is Only Energized by the Word Of... First Antiphon and Psalm Prayer Fourteenth Day. Endurance in Contradiction. Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work Bunsen's Biblical Researches. A Discourse of Mercifulness How Intent the Ruler Ought to be on Meditations in the Sacred Law. The Water of Life; Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans Psalms Links Psalm 109:17 NIVPsalm 109:17 NLT Psalm 109:17 ESV Psalm 109:17 NASB Psalm 109:17 KJV Psalm 109:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |



