10:1 Why, O Yahweh Lament in the ot often includes statements about Yahweh being distant (22:1; 38:21). The psalmist feels God has abandoned those who are suffering.

times of distress The same language is used in 9:9, where God is the stronghold (see note on 9:9) for the oppressed.

10:2 the schemes that they devised Reflecting the psalmist’s hopes in 9:15–16.

10:3 the wicked boasts In Hebrew, “to praise” or “to boast” both come from the same word, halal. The wicked worship their own desires rather than Yahweh.

treats Yahweh with contempt The Hebrew term used here, na'ats, may indicate disobedience (2 Sam 12:14) or rejection of Yahweh (Num 14:11). Here, it likely refers to an arrogant dismissal of Yahweh (Psa 74:10; Prov 15:5).

10:5 he scoffs at them The Hebrew text here could indicate an arrogant dismissal or directly speaking against Yahweh and His purposes. Elsewhere however, the Hebrew term yaphiach means “to testify” (Prov 6:19; 14:5). Understood this way, the psalmist says the wicked—believing God’s judgment to be absent—falsely testify against their opponents.

10:6 I shall not be moved A statement of security usually reserved for the righteous (e.g., Pss 15:5; 16:8; 21:7; 112:6). Without fear of God’s judgment, the wicked believe they are secure.

10:9 like a lion As vicious predators, the wicked are frequently compared to lions. See 7:2 and note.

10:11 God has forgotten The psalmist reflects on the attitude of the wicked (see note on v. 1). The absence of God’s judgment causes them to believe they can continue to oppress the poor and needy without fear of consequence (Eccl 8:11).

10:12 Rise up, O Yahweh As in Ps 9:19, the psalmist addresses God, appealing to Him to respond to the brazen arrogance of the wicked and deliver the oppressed.

Do not forget the afflicted In 9:12, the psalmist praises Yahweh for not forgetting the cry of the afflicted. Here, he urges God to act on His remembrance of them.

10:13 You will not call me to account The Hebrew verb used here, darash, also occurs in 9:12, where the psalmist praises God for avenging the blood of the afflicted.

10:14 you have noted trouble The confidence of the wicked is unfounded. The psalmist expresses trust that God not only sees their actions (amal, in Hebrew; also used in v. 7), He will act to deliver the helpless.

for the orphan Referring to orphans, who were counted among the most vulnerable in ancient Israel. The Law included special provisions designed to protect them (Exod 22:22–24; Deut 24:19–21). The Psalms describe God as the protector of the fatherless (Pss 68:5; 146:9).

10:15 Break the arm of the wicked The arm symbolized power according to Hebrew thought (Exod 15:16; Isa 51:9). To break the arm of the wicked would be to destroy their power. The arm of Yahweh represents His power in salvation and judgment (Exod 6:6; Isa 52:10).

seek out his wickedness The wicked believe God will not hold them accountable. See Psa 10:13 and note.

10:16 Yahweh is king forever The psalmist concludes by praising Yahweh. As in Psa 9, he portrays God as sovereign king who reigns with righteous justice. See 9:7–12; note on 9:7; note on 9:8.

10:17 The longing of the afflicted you have heard The wicked praise their desires (v. 3), but Yahweh cares for the desires of the afflicted (Prov 10:24).

You will listen attentively The Hebrew term used here, qashav, means “to listen attentively” or “to pay attention” (Prov 2:2; Isa 48:18). Rather than being far away, Yahweh pays close attention to the cries of the afflicted (compare Psa 10:1, 11).

10:18 to render judgment The psalmist frequently appeals to God on the basis of His role as the righteous judge of the entire world.