In our study of Psalm 10, we look at the characteristics of evil men in our world. We will also look at the question of why God allows them to continue to prey on the weak.
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Why, Adonai, do you stand at a distance? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
David gets right to the point by asking God why He does not put a stop to the evil that is around us. We all have probably asked the same question at some point in our lives, usually when we are being faced with trials and persecution. The simple answer is that God allows the troubles and trials of this world to grow us in our faith in Him. We must realize that God is in control and He knows all.
The wicked in their arrogance hunt down the poor, who get caught in the schemes they think up.
The first characteristic we see is that Satan and those that work for him (the wicked), prey on the weak. Just like a wild animal, they will usually try to work on those that are newer in their faith. We all have our weaknesses but, over time, we learn to follow the Holy Spirit and avoid more and more of the devil's schemes.
For the wicked boasts about his lusts; he blesses greed and despises Adonai.
Another characteristic of the evil is the fact that they boast about themselves and even brag about their sinfulness. They praise those who take part in it with them and heap abuse on those that will not. That is happening more and more these days and will continue to get worse.
Every scheme of the wicked in his arrogance [says], “There is no God, [so] it won’t be held against me.”
Another characteristic of the evil is pride and the fact that they think that they are self-sufficient. The evil men do not have time to think about the things of God as they are too busy chasing after the things of the flesh. If you try to explain that they need God, they will more than likely tell you that they have everything under control. This unwillingness to surrender control of their lives is due to their pride which is the same thing that brought on the fall of Satan.
His ways prosper at all times. Your judgments are way up there, so he takes no notice. His adversaries? He scoffs at them all. In his heart he thinks, “I will never be shaken; I won’t meet trouble, not now or ever.” His mouth is full of curses, deceit, oppression; under his tongue, mischief and injustice.
Another characteristic of the evil is that they are arrogant and think that they are above the laws of God. They live as if they are the final authority in all matters and will say anything to get ahead.
He waits near settlements in ambush and kills an innocent man in secret; his eyes are on the hunt for the helpless. Lurking unseen like a lion in his lair, he lies in wait to pounce on the poor, then seizes the poor and drags him off in his net. Yes, he stoops, crouches down low; and the helpless wretch falls into his clutches.
The evil men are compared to lions hunting for food. They will hide and wait to take out the weaker animals. The same thing is true for Satan and the men that he uses. They will work on the weaker members of a group in hopes of bringing down all of them.
He says in his heart, “God forgets, he hides his face, he will never see.”
The evil men try to work under the radar unnoticed and even convince themselves that God is not watching.
Arise, Adonai! God, raise your hand! Don’t forget the humble! Why does the wicked despise God and say in his heart, “It won’t be held against me”? You have seen; for you look at mischief and grief, so that you can take the matter in hand. The helpless commits himself to you; you help the fatherless.
David cries out to the Lord to help the weak and we are reminded that He is the only source of our strength. He has not forgotten us and the evil men are only allowed to do so much and only for a certain amount of time. David remembers that God has a special place in His heart for the weak and the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked! As for the evil man, search out his wickedness until there is none left. Adonai is king forever and ever! The nations have vanished from his land.
David calls out for God to stop the evil and, though it has not happened yet, it will happen. This will be after the Millennial Reign when evil is judged and removed from the world. The kingdom will be set up during that thousand years and those who do not accept the Lord will be removed from Jerusalem and all of Israel.
Adonai, you have heard what the humble want; you encourage them and listen to them, to give justice to the fatherless and oppressed, so that no one on earth will strike terror again.
David remembers that ultimately God is in control and the reign of evil men will end. This will usher in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.
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