Psalm 109: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 109 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist begins by asking God to not remain silent, as wicked people speak lies against him (vv. 1-2). They surround him with hate and fight without cause.

Key verse

“Help me, Yahweh, my God. Save me according to your loving kindness;”
Psalms 109:26 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 109:1–4 Call for Divine Intervention
Psalm 109:5–20 Imprecation Against Adversaries
Psalm 109:21–25 Personal Plea for Help
Psalm 109:26–31 Confidence in God’s Justice

Discussion questions

In v6, why does the psalmist ask for a 'wicked man' to be set over his adversary?
What does the psalmist mean by 'words of hatred' in v3?
In v20, what does the phrase 'reward of my adversaries from Yahweh' imply about divine justice?
The imagery of clothing in vv. 18-19: how does it relate to the psalmist's view of cursing?
When have you felt like a 'reproach' to others, as described in v25?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 109: Psalm 69, Acts 1, Psalm 35.

Before next time: read Psalm 110.