For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights God’s active pursuit of justice, not just a passive memory. He is the "requirer of blood," implying He actively investigates and demands satisfaction for violence, ensuring that the cries of the suffering aren't just heard but are part of His divine reckoning. This shows God as a proactive Avenger, not just a sympathetic listener, which is a powerful reminder of His commitment to righting wrongs.
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm shifts from praise to a plea for God's intervention against enemies, highlighting the cry of the afflicted. Verses 9-10 establish God as a refuge for the poor and those who seek Him, with verse 11 calling for His deeds to be proclaimed. Verse 12 then explains why He is worthy of such proclamation: He actively seeks justice for bloodshed and hears the cries of those suffering.
Ever feel like injustice gets away with it? This verse reminds us that God is on the case.
The phrase 'he who avenges blood' points to God's role as the ultimate 'Goel' or kinsman-redeemer. In ancient Israelite culture, the closest relative had the responsibility to avenge a murdered family member. Here, God takes on this role, not just for one family, but for all His people who suffer violence. The original Hebrew uses the plural 'bloods,' suggesting a comprehensive judgment for all innocent blood shed.
This isn't about God being bloodthirsty; it's about His perfect justice. He investigates every offense against life, demanding satisfaction. Even when human systems fail, God remembers and will bring about true justice.
God doesn't just see the violence; He hears the suffering. What does 'forgetting not' really mean?
The second part of the verse, 'he does not forget the cry of the afflicted,' speaks to God's deep empathy and memory. The 'cry' isn't just a sound; it's the expression of intense suffering, desperation, and often, prayer. It's the sound of those who are helpless and have nowhere else to turn.
God's 'remembering' isn't like human memory, which can fade. It's an active, purposeful awareness. He doesn't forget the pain, the injustice, or the pleas of those crushed by circumstances. This assurance is a powerful comfort, knowing that even when we feel unseen, our deepest cries reach His ear.
Ask a follow-up
Why does the Bible so often link the poor and afflicted with humility? There's a reason God notices them.
The verse mentions 'the cry of the afflicted,' and other commentaries often connect this with the 'humble' or 'poor.' This isn't accidental. Often, deep suffering strips away pride and forces a reliance on God. Those who are 'afflicted' are often 'humble' not by choice, but by circumstance – their difficult situations press them down, making them receptive to God's intervention.
God's attention is drawn to those who, in their vulnerability, turn to Him. They are the ones who don't have the power to avenge themselves but commit their cause to God. Their humility isn't a sign of weakness in God's eyes, but a sign of their openness to His strength and justice.
Understand the original words
darash · Hebrew Verb
To seek out, require, or demand a reckoning for a wrong committed, often associated with divine justice against the shedding of innocent blood.
ani · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are oppressed, lowly, or suffering, often characterized by their total dependence on God for deliverance because they have no other earthly recourse.
This psalm speaks profoundly into moments of intense suffering, like the Babylonian exile, where the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple felt like God's abandonment. The promise that God 'remembers' and 'avenges blood' and 'does not forget the cry of the afflicted' offered a desperate hope that even in utter ruin, God's justice and care would ultimately prevail.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures Jerusalem, making it the capital of Israel and establishing Zion as a religious center. This act solidifies a central place for worship and God's presence.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction Begins
David's son Solomon begins building the First Temple in Jerusalem, the designated place for God's name and a focal point for Israel's worship and national identity.
c. 960 BC
Temple Consecration and Dedication
Solomon dedicates the completed Temple, a monumental event that reinforces the belief in God's dwelling among His people in Zion and His watchful care.
c. 930 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into Israel (North) and Judah (South). This political upheaval likely increased the suffering of many and the cries for divine intervention.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its systematic conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to widespread displacement, oppression, and cries of affliction.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple, and exiles many Israelites. This catastrophic event would have intensified the sense of abandonment for the afflicted.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following Babylon's fall to Persia, Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple, offering a glimmer of hope after devastation.
This passage highlights the concept of blood crying out to God for justice, directly paralleling the 'cry of the afflicted' and the 'avenging of blood' in Psalms 9:12.
Exodus 3:7God declares He has seen the suffering of His people and heard their cries, emphasizing His attentiveness to the affliction and distress of the humble, just as the Psalmist states God remembers their cry.
Deuteronomy 25:17-19This passage commands remembrance of the Amalekites' attack on the Israelites, including the command to 'blot out the remembrance of Amalek,' which echoes the idea of God remembering and avenging wrongdoings, particularly bloodshed.
Matthew 23:35Jesus speaks of God requiring an accounting for all the righteous blood shed from Abel onward, directly aligning with the Psalmist's theme of God's inquisition for blood and His remembrance of it.
Revelation 6:10The souls of martyrs under the altar cry out for justice, asking 'how long, O Lord,' which powerfully illustrates the 'cry of the afflicted' that God remembers and will ultimately answer.
calvinPsalms 9:9-12: "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
- And Jehovah will be a refuge to the poor, and a protection in seasonable times in trouble. 10. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou forsakest not them that seek thee, O Jehovah. 11. Sing unto Jehovah, who dwelleth in Sion, and proclaim his doings among the nations. 12. For in requiring blood, he hath remembered it: he hath not forgotten the cry of the afflicted.
9.…
clarkePsalms 9:12: "When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble."
When he maketh inquisition for blood - This not only applies to the Canaanites, Moabites, Ammonites, and Philistines, who shed the blood of God's people unjustly, but to all the nations of the earth who, to enlarge their territory, increase their wealth, or extend their commerce, have made destructive wars. For the blood which such nations have shed, their blood shall be shed. If m…
The verse highlights God’s active pursuit of justice, not just a passive memory. He is the "requirer of blood," implying He actively investigates and demands satisfaction for violence, ensuring that the cries of the suffering aren't just heard but are part of His divine reckoning. This shows God as a proactive Avenger, not just a sympathetic listener, which is a powerful reminder of His commitment to righting wrongs.
This psalm shifts from praise to a plea for God's intervention against enemies, highlighting the cry of the afflicted. Verses 9-10 establish God as a refuge for the poor and those who seek Him, with verse 11 calling for His deeds to be proclaimed. Verse 12 then explains why He is worthy of such proclamation: He actively seeks justice for bloodshed and hears the cries of those suffering.
This psalm shifts from praise to a plea for God's intervention against enemies, highlighting the cry of the afflicted. Verses 9-10 establish God as a refuge for the poor and those who seek Him, with verse 11 calling for His deeds to be proclaimed. Verse 12 then explains why He is worthy of such proclamation: He actively seeks justice for bloodshed and hears the cries of those suffering.
"For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted." — The verse highlights God’s active pursuit of justice, not just a passive memory. He is the "requirer of blood," implying He actively investigates and demands satisfaction for violence, ensuring that…
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Last reviewed October 2026