8-14-06 Psalms 9:18-20

Psalms 9:18-20 (KJ21)
For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Arise, O LORD, let not man prevail; let the heathen be judged in Thy sight. Put them in fear, O LORD; that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah

Psalms 9:18-20 (NAS)
For the needy will not always be forgotten, Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before Thee. Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men. Selah.

Psalms 9:18-20 (NIVUS)
But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. Arise, O LORD, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah.

Psalms 9:18-20 (NLT)
For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. Arise, O LORD! Do not let mere mortals defy you! Let the nations be judged in your presence! Make them tremble in fear, O LORD. Let them know they are merely human. Interlude

Abuse seems more prevalent in today's society than in previous generations. Perhaps it is just that people talk more freely about it today.

Perhaps you are someone who has felt abused and oppressed. You always seem needy and poor. You see yourself as a member of the lowest class. You know that you need God to deliver you from your troubles. He is the only one who can make you strong and victorious. He will not ignore or forget you. No matter how poor and afflicted you have been, you always can have hope and expectation in the Lord your God. He will never let you go astray. You will not vanish from His sight. When you trust in His deliverance, you will not perish or be destroyed. You will live forever in the presence of Almighty God.

The Lord Jehovah will rise up on your behalf. No man will be able to prevail against you. Even though he is firm and strong, you are firmer and stronger still, for you are established in the Rock of your salvation. Though men swarm around you like locusts, they will not be able to rule over you. Adonai, the Most High, is the only one who can govern your life. If your opponent enters into controversy with you, the Lord will judge and vindicate you, for nothing is hidden from God's sight.

Jehovah the Lord will lay waste those who oppress and abuse you. They will stand before Him in fear and terror. When they finally see the Almighty, they will see that they are mere men. They will finally know that they are weak, sick, and frail. They will understand that they are desperately wicked and have no hope. In this you can exalt.