Psalm 109:10
ESV
May his children wander about and beg, seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit!
NIV
May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes.
NASB
May his children wander about and beg; And may they seek sustenance far from their ruined homes.
CSB
Let his children wander as beggars, searching for food far from their demolished homes.
NLT
May his children wander as beggars and be driven from their ruined homes.
KJV
Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.
NKJV
Let his children continually be vagabonds, and beg; Let them seek their bread also from their desolate places.
What does Psalm 109:10 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 109, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 109:6–20 contains a long list of punishments which the psalmist—probably David—wishes upon his enemies. Prayers for wrathful judgment to come from God are labeled "imprecatory," and don't necessarily come with God's approval. These seem to be in response to sinful acts towards the poor (Psalm 109:16), as well as repeated lies (Psalm 109:4–5). The writer's wishes for his enemies include legal accusations and convictions, poverty, shame, humiliation, and curses. This even extends to asking for the enemy to die and leave his family destitute.
The psalmist, probably David, calls on the Lord for help. He is under siege in the form of lies, hatred, and slander. Though David has shown them love, they respond with attacks. He prays that God would deliver punishment to these enemies. David's requests are harsh and even include the families of these opponents. Ultimately, David trusts God to provide rescue. He hopes that it will be clear to all that it was the Lord who rescued Him.