Psalm 9:18
ESV
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
NIV
But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
NASB
For the needy will not always be forgotten, Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever.
CSB
For the needy will not always be forgotten; the hope of the oppressed will not perish forever.
NLT
But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.
KJV
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
NKJV
For the needy shall not always be forgotten; The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.
What does Psalm 9:18 mean?
Contrary to the horrific fate of the wicked (Psalm 9:17), those who are needy won't be abandoned by God or left in a state of eternal death. This verse forms a deliberate contrast to verse 17. Verse 17 refers to the nations that forget God, but this statement speaks of the needy who will not be forgotten. Both aspects of the contrast matter here: those whom God "remembers" are those who follow and honor Him. The wealthy unbelievers will still be held accountable, while even the poor who believe will be redeemed.It is possible for the needy to feel forgotten when material struggles arise. But ultimately, God provides for His people, even when they struggle. He will come to their assistance, always, in spiritual ways, and often in material ways, as well. Furthermore, the poor who believe in Christ hope for a better life, and someday they will have it (Romans 8:28–30). The fulfillment of these aspirations awaits the establishment of Messiah's kingdom on earth. Jesus promised, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20). In the kingdom age everyone will enjoy security and property rights. No one will be poor or needy. Micah 4:4 promises, "They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken."
Psalm 9:9–20 turns David's attention to various groups of people of Israel. He mentions the oppressed, those who trust in the Lord, the afflicted, the needy, and the poor. He sees the Lord as a safe, secure place, a God who is mindful of His people, and the supplier of hope to the poor.
David praises God in a song which follows an acrostic pattern: the psalm is divided into phrases which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The pattern continues through Psalm 10, leading some to suggest they were intended as a single work, or as closely related halves. In this psalm, David promises to praise God for His great deeds, including awesome victory over evil. The Lord's eternal justice is also praised, as David asks for further rescue from those who seek to kill him. The passage ends with a prayer for God to remind mankind of His authority.
