Psalm 140:12

12 I know that Yahweh will maintain [the] cause of [the] afflicted, [and] justice for [the] needy.

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 burning coals fall on them; let them be dropped into the fire, into bottomless pits [from which] they cannot rise.

11 Do not let a {slanderer} be established in the land; as for [the] man of violence, let evil hunt him quickly.

12 I know that Yahweh will maintain [the] cause of [the] afflicted, [and] justice for [the] needy.

13 Surely [the] righteous will give thanks to your name; [the] upright will dwell in your presence.

Footnotes

• [a] According to the reading tradition (Qere)