Psalm 9:12

Psalm 9:12, in plain English

God pays attention to those who suffer and cry out; He doesn't ignore the pain of people who have nowhere else to go.

Why it's here

The psalmist is reassuring the oppressed that their suffering has not gone unnoticed by heaven. The image of an avenger of bloodshed reflects God's role as the defender of the defenseless—He remembers what others try to forget.

Who's speaking

David, comforting the afflicted with the assurance of God's attention

Where it sits in the story

This connects to God's consistent character throughout Scripture: He hears the cry of the enslaved in Egypt, the widow and orphan in Israel, and ultimately responds through Christ to all human suffering and injustice.

The scholarly reading

God, in his role as avenger of murder victims, attends to and answers the cries of the afflicted.

Language and setting

The phrase 'Avenger of bloodshed' (dōrēš dāmîm) invokes the ancient institution of the gōʾēl—the kinsman-redeemer who avenges slain family members. God adopts this role, becoming the ultimate vindicator of victims whose cries might otherwise go unheard by earthly authorities who ignore their appeals.

Voice

The psalmist, shifting to address those experiencing systematic oppression and judicial indifference.

Significance

This vindicatory imagery of God as blood-avenger develops through the scriptures into the concept of redemption (gʾālâ)—God as the one who restores what was lost, culminating in Christian theology's understanding of redemption through Christ's sacrificial death.

10Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

11Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; proclaim His deeds among the nations.

12For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

13Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death,

14that I may declare all Your praises— that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.

Read all of Psalm 9 — God has not forgotten the afflicted. David celebrates divine justice in an acrostic that marches through the alphabet and through God's faithfulness.