Psalms 10:2
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the wicked's persecution of the poor isn't just random cruelty; it stems directly from their pride. This arrogance blinds them to the suffering they cause, making them believe their schemes are flawless and their victims insignificant.
The Psalmist begins by crying out to God, questioning why He seems distant and inactive in times of trouble. He then immediately describes the wicked, driven by arrogance, who relentlessly oppress the vulnerable. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which will detail the wicked's schemes and the suffering of the afflicted, all while maintaining a desperate plea for divine justice and intervention.
Understand the original words
rasha · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Refers to those who act in defiance of God's moral law; they are characterized by their opposition to God and His people, often manifesting as pride and cruelty.
ani · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Usually refers to the economically disadvantaged or those who are socially marginalized, often portrayed in the Psalms as those who rely solely on God for vindication.
ga'avah · Hebrew Noun
Involves an inflated sense of self-importance that leads to rebellion against God and oppression of others; it is the fundamental root of sin.
This psalm captures the anguish of those caught in the crosshairs of powerful, arrogant individuals who exploit the vulnerable. The historical context of David's own persecution by King Saul vividly illustrates the deep personal pain and desperate cry for justice that likely inspired these words.
c. 1077-1015 BC— this verse
Saul's Reign and Persecution of David
During King Saul's reign, David, a humble shepherd boy who had gained popularity after defeating Goliath, was himself persecuted by the king. Saul, driven by jealousy and insecurity, saw David as a threat to his throne and relentlessly hunted him.
c. 1015 BC
David Flees to the Wilderness
David was forced to flee from Saul's court and lived as a fugitive in the wilderness of Judah, constantly evading capture. During this time, he gathered a band of loyal followers who were also marginalized and oppressed.
c. 1015-1005 BC
David's Time as an Outlaw
While an outlaw, David and his men often encountered and protected others who were oppressed or in debt, highlighting the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked who preyed on the vulnerable.
c. 1005 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
After Saul's death, David was finally crowned king over the tribe of Judah, marking a significant turn in his fortunes. However, the entire kingdom was not yet united under his rule.
This passage echoes the theme of the wicked's destructive 'schemes' by showing how a foolish person is 'consumed' by anger and jealousy, similar to how the wicked's pride leads to their downfall.
Proverbs 1:10-14This Proverb directly addresses the deceptive 'schemes' of the wicked who entice others to join them in their pursuits of plunder, mirroring the self-serving ambition seen in Psalm 10:2.
Matthew 22:15-22Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees and Herodians shows how they devised 'schemes' to trap him, illustrating the deceptive plots mentioned in Psalm 10:2, though their intentions were exposed.
2 Thessalonians 2:8-12This passage describes the ultimate downfall of the wicked, who are 'taken' by their own destructive ways and believe 'the lie' because they refused to love the truth, much like the wicked in the Psalm being caught in their own devices.
calvinPsalms 10:1-2: "Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?"
Why standest thou afar off, O Jehovah? and winkest at seasonable times in trouble? [188] 2. The ungodly in his pride doth persecute the poor; [189] let them be caught in the devices [190] which they imagine.
Lord, why standest thou afar off? We here see how the prophet, seeking a remedy for his calamities, which were apparently past hope, directly addresses himself to God at the very commenc…
gillPsalms 10:2: "The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined."
The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor,.... The "poor" is the good and gracious man, who is commonly poor in this world's things, and is sensibly poor in spirit, or sensible of his spiritual poverty; or he is so called because "afflicted", as the word signifies; and he is afflicted because he is poor: these two characters generally go together. The "wicked" man is t…
The verse highlights that the wicked's persecution of the poor isn't just random cruelty; it stems directly from their pride. This arrogance blinds them to the suffering they cause, making them believe their schemes are flawless and their victims insignificant.
The Psalmist begins by crying out to God, questioning why He seems distant and inactive in times of trouble. He then immediately describes the wicked, driven by arrogance, who relentlessly oppress the vulnerable. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which will detail the wicked's schemes and the suffering of the afflicted, all while maintaining a desperate plea for divine justice and intervention.
The Psalmist begins by crying out to God, questioning why He seems distant and inactive in times of trouble. He then immediately describes the wicked, driven by arrogance, who relentlessly oppress the vulnerable. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which will detail the wicked's schemes and the suffering of the afflicted, all while maintaining a desperate plea for divine justice and intervention.
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c. 1005-970 BC
David's Reign Over United Israel
David eventually unified all the tribes of Israel and established Jerusalem as his capital. His reign brought a period of stability, though the memory of oppression and injustice fueled his prayers and songs.
"In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised." — The verse highlights that the wicked's persecution of the poor isn't just random cruelty; it stems directly from their pride. This arrogance blinds them to the suffering they cause, making them b…
