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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 109:1 O God of my praise, do not be silent.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/109-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_109_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 109:1 - The Song of the Slandered" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O God of my praise, do not be silent." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/109-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/109-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/109.htm">Chapter 109</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/108-13.htm" title="Psalm 108:13">◄</a> Psalm 109:1 <a href="/psalms/109-2.htm" title="Psalm 109:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/109.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/109.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />O God, whom I praise, don’t stand silent and aloof<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/109.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not silent, O God of my praise!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, be not silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/109.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/109.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/109.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the music director. A Psalm of David. God of my praise, Do not be silent!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the choir director. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, Do not be silent!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/109.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />O God of my praise, Do not be silent!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/109.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For the choir director. Of David. A Psalm. O God of my praise, Do not be silent!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/109.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise! Do not keep silent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/109.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choir director. A psalm of David. God of my praise, do not be silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/109.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choir director. A Davidic psalm. God of my praise, do not be silent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/109.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/109.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I praise you, God! Don't keep silent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/109.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/109.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[For the choir director; a psalm by David.] O God, whom I praise, do not turn a deaf ear to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/109.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I praise you, God; don't remain silent! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/109.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God, whom I praise, do not be silent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/109.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, be not silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/109.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the music director, a psalm of David. O God whom I praise, do not ignore me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/109.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.] God of my praise, do not remain silent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/109.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/109.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. God of my praise, don’t remain silent, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/109.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />TO THE OVERSEER. A PSALM OF DAVID. O God of my praise, do not be silent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/109.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To the Overseer. -- A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, be not silent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/109.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the overseer, to David a chanting. O God of my praise, thou wilt not be silent;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/109.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Unto the end, a psalm for David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/109.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 108:1>Unto the end. A Psalm of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/109.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the leader. A psalm of David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/109.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be silent, O God of my praise.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/109.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />HOLD not thy peace, O God of my praise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/109.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />God of my praise, do not be silent!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/109.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the Leader. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, keep not silence;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/109.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For the end, a Psalm of David. O God, pass not over my praise in silence;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/109-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=13968" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">The Song of the Slandered</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5329.htm" title="5329: lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- Preeminent or enduring. A primitive root; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. To be eminent; also, to be permanent.">For the choirmaster.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4210.htm" title="4210: miz·mō·wr (N-ms) -- A melody. From zamar; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes.">A Psalm</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God"> O God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8416.htm" title="8416: ṯə·hil·lā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Praise, song of praise. From halal; laudation; specifically a hymn.">of my praise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">be not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: te·ḥĕ·raš (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.">silent.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Psalm 35:22</a></span><br />O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13-14</a></span><br />But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. / I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1</a></span><br />A song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></span><br />Of David. To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Psalm 39:12</a></span><br />Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Psalm 50:21</a></span><br />You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Isaiah 42:14</a></span><br />“I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-26.htm">Lamentations 3:26</a></span><br />It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a></span><br />And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-61.htm">Mark 14:61</a></span><br />But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-9.htm">Luke 23:9</a></span><br />Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-9.htm">John 19:9</a></span><br />and he went back into the Praetorium. “Where are You from?” he asked. But Jesus gave no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Acts 8:32-33</a></span><br />The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. / In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Hold not your peace, O God of my praise;</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="hdg">hold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, <i>if</i> thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Psalm 35:22,23</a></b></br> <i>This</i> thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1</a></b></br> A Song <i>or</i> Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.</p><p class="hdg">O God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/118-28.htm">Psalm 118:28</a></b></br> Thou <i>art</i> my God, and I will praise thee: <i>thou art</i> my God, I will exalt thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-2.htm">Exodus 15:2</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he <i>is</i> my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-21.htm">Deuteronomy 10:21</a></b></br> He <i>is</i> thy praise, and he <i>is</i> thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/108-13.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/108-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/102-14.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/108-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/107-29.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/108-3.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/106-30.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/108-13.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/77-1.htm">Psalm&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/101-8.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">Silent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/110-6.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/109-31.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/137-2.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/119-165.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/109-30.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/109-4.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/109-31.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/115-17.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/131-2.htm">Silent</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 109</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-1.htm">David complains of his slanderous enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-16.htm">He shows their sin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-21.htm">Complaining of his own misery, he prays for help</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/109-29.htm">He promises thankfulness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/109.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/109.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For the choirmaster.</b><br>This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was significant in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. This suggests that the psalm was not only a personal lament but also a communal prayer, reflecting the collective struggles and faith of the people.<p><b>A Psalm of David.</b><br>Attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his experiences and emotions. David, known as a man after God's own heart, often faced opposition and betrayal, which is a central theme in this psalm. The historical context of David's life, including his conflicts with Saul, Absalom, and other adversaries, provides a backdrop for understanding the intensity of his plea. David's psalms often serve as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the suffering and rejection Jesus would face.<p><b>O God of my praise,</b><br>David begins by acknowledging God as the source of his praise, emphasizing a relationship of trust and reverence. This phrase highlights the importance of worship and gratitude, even in times of distress. It connects to other scriptures where God is praised for His faithfulness and deliverance, such as in <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a> and <a href="/psalms/34.htm">Psalm 34</a>. The invocation of God as the object of praise sets the tone for the psalm, underscoring the belief that God is worthy of honor regardless of circumstances.<p><b>be not silent.</b><br>David's plea for God not to be silent reflects a deep desire for divine intervention and justice. In the cultural and historical context, silence from God could be perceived as absence or inaction, which was distressing for someone in dire need. This echoes other biblical instances where God's people cry out for Him to speak or act, such as in <a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2</a> and <a href="/psalms/28.htm">Psalm 28:1</a>. The request for God to break His silence is a call for His presence and power to be made manifest in the face of adversity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/109.htm">Psalm 109</a>, David is expressing a plea to God amidst adversity and false accusations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Referred to as the "God of my praise," indicating a personal relationship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and worthiness of worship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm involves adversaries who are speaking deceitfully against David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_praise.htm">The Importance of Praise</a></b><br>Even in distress, David acknowledges God as the "God of my praise," teaching us to maintain a heart of worship regardless of circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_silence_and_our_faith.htm">God's Silence and Our Faith</a></b><br>When God seems silent, it is an opportunity to deepen our faith and trust in His timing and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_adversity.htm">Responding to Adversity</a></b><br>David's response to his enemies is to turn to God rather than retaliate, setting an example for us to seek divine intervention rather than personal revenge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>This verse highlights the importance of prayer as a means of communication with God, especially when facing trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>David's plea is rooted in a belief that God will ultimately bring justice, encouraging us to trust in God's righteous judgment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_109.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 109</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psalm_109_curses_fit_a_loving_god.htm">If the psalmist is invoking literal curses in Psalm 109:9–10, how could this align with a loving God? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_138_1_imply_polytheism.htm">Psalm 138:1 mentions praising God 'before the gods.' Does this suggest the existence of multiple deities, hinting at polytheism within a supposedly monotheistic text?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_in_psalm_83_1.htm">Why does Psalm 83:1 depict God as silent in the face of a dire threat, despite other scriptures portraying Him as actively intervening?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_all_cultures_worship_god.htm">If Psalm 117:1 calls all nations to praise God, why does historical evidence suggest that many cultures never worshiped the Hebrew God at all?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/109.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">God of my praise.</span>--That is, God to whom as covenant God it was a privilege to make <span class= "ital">tehillah. </span>(See <a href="/context/deuteronomy/10-20.htm" title="You shall fear the LORD your God; him shall you serve, and to him shall you hold, and swear by his name.">Deuteronomy 10:20-21</a>, where Jehovah is said to be "the praise" of those who "swear by His name." Comp. also <a href="/context/psalms/106-2.htm" title="Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his praise?">Psalm 106:2-3</a>, and Note, and <a href="/psalms/33-1.htm" title="Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.">Psalm 33:1</a>. Perhaps <span class= "ital">"</span>God of my glory or boast" would more nearly give the force of the original. The psalmist prays that Jehovah's silence may not make his confident glorifying in the covenant promises vain.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/109.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-5.</span> - The initial prayer and complaint. The prayer occupies one verse only (ver. 1); the complaint four verses (vers. 2-5). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Psalm 35:22</a>; <a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Psalm 39:12</a>). If God makes no sign when men arc grievously persecuted, he seems to be indifferent to their sufferings. Surely he will not thus treat one who praises him continually (<a href="/psalms/22-26.htm">Psalm 22:26</a>; <a href="/psalms/71-6.htm">Psalm 71:6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/109-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For the choirmaster.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֭מְנַצֵּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5329.htm">Strong's 5329: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">A Psalm</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְמ֑וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(miz·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4210.htm">Strong's 4210: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instrumental music, a poem set to notes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָוִ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my praise,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְ֝הִלָּתִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·hil·lā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8416.htm">Strong's 8416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Praise, song of praise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be silent.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֶּחֱרַֽשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(te·ḥĕ·raš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2790.htm">Strong's 2790: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut in, engrave, plow, devise</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/109-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 109:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/108-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 108:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 108:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/109-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 109:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 109:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>