Definition: Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite [it] with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 10:14. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking message about God’s care for the vulnerable. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s unwavering protection and kindness towards those who are alone, neglected, or suffering. It highlights a specific situation where God is actively intervening to help someone in need. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Thou hast seen [it]” : This means "You have witnessed this." It's acknowledging something that has happened – likely a difficult or painful experience for someone. "For thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite [it] with thy hand” : This is the crucial part. “Behold” means “see” or “watch.” "Thou beholdest" means "you look at" or "you observe." The phrase "to requite it with thy hand" means “to punish you for it” – to retaliate against someone's wrongdoing or pain. “The poor committeth himself unto thee” : This speaks of a person being left alone and without support, like a vulnerable child. "Committeth himself" means "commits himself," meaning they are relying on God for help. “Thou art the helper of the fatherless” : This is the key takeaway – God is specifically offering his help and protection to those who are utterly alone and without anyone to turn to. “Fatherless” refers to someone who has no parental figure or support system. Putting it all together, here's what it means: God sees when someone is suffering, perhaps due to unfairness, hardship, or betrayal. He doesn’t just passively observe; he actively intervenes to protect and help them. He's offering a safety net – a kind of divine intervention – to those who are truly lost and without anyone else to rely on. It emphasizes God’s inherent goodness, his desire to protect the vulnerable, and his willingness to act when others have given up hope. In essence, it’s a message about: Unconditional Love & Protection: God loves all people, even those who make mistakes or cause harm. Compassion & Justice: God isn't just concerned with punishing wrongdoers; he wants to help those who are suffering and need support. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God’s care is always present, even in the darkest of times. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? (e.g., using an analogy) Discuss its significance within a particular context (like forgiveness)? Give you some examples of how this verse might be applied today?