Psalms 10:11
“He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.”
Psalm 10:11 (KJV) says: “He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.”
Context: Understanding the context of a verse helps us grasp its meaning more fully. Psalm 10 is a lament by the psalmist about the wickedness and arrogance of the wicked. In this particular verse, the psalmist describes the attitude of the wicked, who believe that God has forgotten or turned a blind eye to their evil deeds.
Hiddenness of God’s face: The wicked person in this verse expresses a belief that God has hidden His face and will never see their actions. This perception arises from their arrogance and lack of understanding of God’s nature. Throughout the Bible, “hiding the face” or “turning away the face” of God represents a withdrawal of His favour or active intervention.
God’s omniscience: Although the wicked may think God is unaware or indifferent, the psalmist affirms that God sees everything. The verse highlights the omniscience of God, meaning He is all-knowing. God is not limited by time or space, and nothing can be hidden from His sight.
The deceitful heart: The verse also highlights the condition of the wicked person’s heart. The wickedness described is not only in their actions but also in their inner thoughts and attitudes. They deceive themselves by convincing themselves that God is ignorant or unconcerned about their actions.
Practical application: This verse serves as a reminder and encouragement for believers. We should remember that God sees everything, even when it may seem that evil goes unpunished or unnoticed. We can take comfort in knowing that God’s justice will prevail, and He is fully aware of the actions and motives of every individual.
Trusting in God’s justice: Despite the wickedness and apparent success of the wicked, the psalmist trusts in God’s justice. In the subsequent verses, the psalmist calls upon God to intervene on behalf of the oppressed and to bring down the wicked. We too should place our trust in God’s righteous judgment, knowing that He will ultimately hold every person accountable for their actions.
In summary, Psalm 10:11 emphasises the misguided belief of the wicked that God has forgotten or does not see their actions. It reminds us of God’s omniscience and the deceitfulness of the wicked heart. As believers, we can find comfort and assurance in the knowledge that God sees everything and will ultimately bring justice.
