Psalm 140:12

12 I^[a] know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy.^[b]

Psalm 140:12 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 140:12

I know
Here is a double reading: the "Keri", or marginal reading, is, "thou knowest"; an appeal of the psalmist to God, who knew the thoughts of the wicked concerning him, and their devices against him; as Kimchi: but the Scripture reading is, I know; expressing his full persuasion and assurance

that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the
right of the poor;
of his poor and afflicted people, that are afflicted within and without, by men and devils; and who are poor as to the things of this world, and poor in spirit, and sensible of their spiritual poverty, but rich in grace: the cause of these God will maintain against their oppressors, and right their wrongs, and avenge their injuries; this the psalmist knew, and was assured of from the word of God, from instances and examples in former times, and from his own experience, ( Psalms 9:4 ) .

Psalm 140:12 In-Context

10 Let hot coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into the abyss, never again to rise.

11 Do not let a slanderer stay in the land. Let evil relentlessly hunt down a violent man.

12 I know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will live in Your presence.

Footnotes

• [a] Alt Hb tradition reads You
• [b] Pr 31:9; Jr 22:16