Why, O LORD, do You stand far off?
This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist expresses a feeling of divine distance during times of distress. The question "Why, O LORD" indicates a personal relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and presence, yet questioning His perceived absence. This sentiment is echoed in other Psalms, such as Psalm 22:1, where David cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This feeling of divine distance can be understood in the context of Israel's history, where periods of suffering and oppression often led to cries for deliverance. Theologically, this reflects the human struggle to reconcile God's omnipresence with the experience of suffering. It also foreshadows the ultimate question of divine presence and absence seen in the life of Jesus Christ, particularly in His crucifixion.

Why do You hide in times of trouble?
The imagery of God "hiding" suggests a temporary withdrawal of His visible intervention, which can be seen throughout the Old Testament during times of Israel's disobedience or testing. This phrase captures the tension between faith and experience, where the believer trusts in God's goodness despite not seeing immediate evidence of His help. Historically, this reflects the cultural understanding of divine retribution and blessing, where God's favor was often associated with visible prosperity and protection. Theologically, it challenges believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and timing, even when His presence is not immediately apparent. This concept is further explored in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting in God's unseen work through Christ.

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 10, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing a deep sense of distress and questioning God's apparent absence during troubling times.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, indicating a personal relationship with His people. The psalmist is addressing God directly, highlighting a personal and intimate plea.

3. Times of Trouble
The unspecified circumstances of distress faced by the psalmist, which could be personal, communal, or national, reflecting a period of suffering or injustice.The Reality of Spiritual Distress
Believers may experience times when God feels distant, and it is a common part of the faith journey.

The Importance of Honest Prayer
The psalmist's candid questioning encourages believers to bring their genuine emotions and questions before God in prayer.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Even when God seems distant, His sovereignty and faithfulness remain unchanged. Believers are called to trust in His ultimate plan and timing.

Seeking God's Presence in Community
Engaging with a faith community can provide support and encouragement when individuals feel isolated in their spiritual struggles.

Reflecting on Personal Sin and Repentance
Times of perceived divine absence can be opportunities for self-examination and repentance, seeking to restore fellowship with God.Verse 1. - Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Here is the key-note struck at once. Why does God stand aloof? Why, after delivering his people from their foreign foes, does he not interfere to protect his true people from their domestic oppressors? "Throughout the reign of David," as it has been truly observed, "Palestine was infested by brigands, and disturbed by a factious nobility" ('Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 4. p. 191). Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? "Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself," says Isaiah (Isaiah 45:15). And so Job complains, "He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (Isaiah 23:9). He seems neither to see nor hear. The psalmist inquires - Why? It can only be answered, "In his wisdom; for his own purposes; because he knows it to be best."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Why,
לָמָ֣ה (lā·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

O LORD,
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

do You stand
תַּעֲמֹ֣ד (ta·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

far off?
בְּרָח֑וֹק (bə·rā·ḥō·wq)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious

Why do You hide
תַּ֝עְלִ֗ים (ta‘·lîm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5956: To veil from sight, conceal

in times
לְעִתּ֥וֹת (lə·‘it·tō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

of trouble?
בַּצָּרָֽה׃ (baṣ·ṣā·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival


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OT Poetry: Psalm 10:1 Why do you stand far off Yahweh? (Psalm Ps Psa.)