Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice. Though they curse, You will bless.This phrase highlights the contrast between human intentions and divine actions. In biblical context, cursing often represents opposition or hostility, as seen in the story of Balaam (Numbers 22-24), where God turns intended curses into blessings for Israel. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to transform negative circumstances for His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28. The idea of blessing despite cursing is also evident in the life of Jesus, who taught to bless those who curse you ( Luke 6:28), embodying the ultimate example of overcoming evil with good. When they rise up, they will be put to shame,
This phrase suggests a reversal of fortunes, a common theme in the Psalms where the wicked are ultimately disgraced (Psalm 37:12-15). Historically, this reflects the cultural understanding of honor and shame in ancient Near Eastern societies, where public disgrace was a severe consequence. Biblically, this is seen in the story of Haman in the Book of Esther, who was shamed and defeated despite his initial rise against the Jews. This also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of evil at the end of times, as described in Revelation. but Your servant will rejoice.
The term "servant" often refers to those who are faithful to God, like David, who is traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm. The joy of the servant contrasts with the shame of the adversaries, emphasizing the reward for faithfulness. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the assurance of God's justice and deliverance. Theologically, this reflects the joy of salvation and the ultimate victory of God's people, as seen in the New Testament (Philippians 4:4). The servant's rejoicing is a type of Christ's victory over sin and death, where despite suffering, He ultimately triumphed and brought joy to His followers. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 109, David is expressing his trust in God's justice despite being cursed by his enemies. 2. Enemies of DavidThese are the individuals or groups who are cursing David, seeking his downfall. 3. GodThe central figure who blesses David despite the curses from his enemies. 4. ServantRefers to David himself, who remains faithful and expects God's blessing. 5. IsraelThe broader context of the nation that David leads, often facing external and internal threats. Teaching Points Trust in Divine JusticeBelievers are encouraged to trust that God will handle their adversaries and that His justice will prevail. Responding to Curses with FaithInstead of retaliating, Christians should respond to curses with faith in God's blessing and protection. Rejoicing in God's FaithfulnessEven when faced with opposition, believers can find joy in knowing that God is on their side and will ultimately vindicate them. The Power of BlessingThe act of blessing those who curse us is a powerful testimony of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. Shame of the WickedThe eventual shame of those who rise against God's people serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to being cursed in Psalm 109:28 inspire you to handle personal conflicts or adversities? 2. In what ways can you apply the principle of blessing those who curse you in your daily life, as seen in both Psalm 109:28 and Matthew 5:44? 3. How does the assurance of God's justice in Psalm 109:28 provide comfort in situations where you feel wronged or attacked? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's blessing despite opposition. How did this experience strengthen your faith? 5. How can the themes of Psalm 109:28 be seen in the life and teachings of Jesus, and how can they be applied to modern Christian living? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:44Jesus teaches to bless those who curse you, which aligns with the theme of trusting God to handle adversaries. Romans 12:14Paul echoes the sentiment of blessing those who persecute you, reinforcing the idea of leaving vengeance to God. Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that He will bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him, showing a consistent biblical theme of divine justice. 1 Peter 3:9Encourages believers not to repay evil with evil but with blessing, reflecting the attitude David exemplifies in this Psalm. Proverbs 11:21Assures that the wicked will not go unpunished, which complements the idea of enemies being put to shame. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Arise, Ashamed, Assailants, Attack, Bless, Blessing, Curse, Curses, Glad, Rejoice, Revile, Rise, Risen, Servant, Shame, ShamedDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 109:26 1085 God, love of
8640 calling upon God Library Psalm. Cix. 21. ; Micah, vi. 9
Psalm. 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 HymnsIf Anyone Shall Say that Jesus as Man is Only Energized by the Word Of...
If anyone shall say that Jesus as man is only energized by the Word of God, and that the glory of the Only-begotten is attributed to him as something not properly his: let him be anathema. Notes. Nestorius. VII. If any one says that the man who was formed of the Virgin is the Only-begotten, who was born from the bosom of the Father, before the morning star was (Ps. cix., 3) [256] , and does not rather confess that he has obtained the designation of Only-begotten on account of his connection with …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils First Antiphon and Psalm
Third Tone (a ending) Chanter Dum esset rex Choir in accubitu suo, nardus mea dedit odorem suavitatis. Alleluia. Dixit Dominus (Psalm 109) 1. Dixit Dominus, Domino meo: Sede a dextris meis: 2. Donec ponam inimicos tuos, scabellum pedum tuorum. 3. Virgam virtutis tuae emitte Dominus ex Sion: dominare in medio inimicorum tuorem. 4. Tecum principium in die virtutis tuae in splendoribus sanctorum: ex utero ante luciferum genui te. 5. Juravit Dominus, et non paenitebit eum: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum …
Various—The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Fourteenth Day. Endurance in Contradiction.
"Who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself."-- Heb. xii. 3. What endurance was this! Perfect truth in the midst of error; perfect love in the midst of ingratitude and coldness; perfect rectitude in the midst of perjury, violence, fraud; perfect constancy in the midst of contumely and desertion; perfect innocence, confronting every debased form of depravity and guilt; perfect patience, encountering every species of gross provocation--"oppressed and afflicted, He opened not His mouth!" …
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
When geologists began to ask whether changes in the earth's structure might be explained by causes still in operation, they did not disprove the possibility of great convulsions, but they lessened necessity for imagining them. So, if a theologian has his eyes opened to the Divine energy as continuous and omnipresent, he lessens the sharp contrast of epochs in Revelation, but need not assume that the stream has never varied in its flow. Devotion raises time present into the sacredness of the past; …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How Intent the Ruler Ought to be on Meditations in the Sacred Law.
But all this is duly executed by a ruler, if, inspired by the spirit of heavenly fear and love, he meditate daily on the precepts of Sacred Writ, that the words of Divine admonition may restore in him the power of solicitude and of provident circumspection with regard to the celestial life, which familiar intercourse with men continually destroys; and that one who is drawn to oldness of life by secular society may by the aspiration of compunction be ever renewed to love of the spiritual country. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Water of Life;
OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL, AS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE BY THIS TERM, THE WATER OF LIFE. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'--Revelation 22:17 London: Printed for Nathanael Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Often, and in every age, the children of God have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace; whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 109:28 NIVPsalm 109:28 NLTPsalm 109:28 ESVPsalm 109:28 NASBPsalm 109:28 KJV
Psalm 109:28 Commentaries
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