Psalms
(The Bible)
The puzzled writer of Psalm 10 fails to understand why God appears to be indifferent to his plight, the constant persecution by the enemy. However, he resists the temptation to judge or blame God. He only prays that the wicked man, who invariably is responsible for his problems and the problems of others like him, be caught and shamed in his evil adventures.
He goes on to list a number of things his persecutor is guilty of. First is his inexcusable arrogance and the temerity to announce his dodgy plans while daring to endorse evil-minded people like himself. Secondly, this evil man keeps what he believes is a safe distance from God and therefore cannot be bothered with the demands and expectations of the Almighty. Thirdly, the man, believing in his invincibility, also possesses a tongue that specialises in lying and character assassination. Fourthly, being a murderous sadist, he targets the poor and, by human standards, the disadvantaged, luring them into his lair where he subjects them to the most horrific things. Fifthly, he has even managed to convince himself that the all-seeing God has gone into hiding and will thus never bring him to book.
Believing, however, that only the prayer of the just can help stem the tide of evil, the Psalmist then invites the Lord to act. He earnestly believes that God needs to do something if only to prove to the wicked that there is God and that he is a God who cares for the poor. He reckons that this becomes necessary because the poor and the needy are wholy dependent on the Almighty. The writer is persuaded that if the evil man is not stopped in his tracks, he will only wax stronger in his wicked ways. He reminds God that it is only by depriving the wicked ones the wherewithal or power to do evil that evil can cease. He also believes that it is only then that the poor and the disadvantaged can hope to live their lives in quietness, that is, when justice is brought unto victory.
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