To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;

PSALMS 109:1KJV
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Psalms 109:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 109:1 mean?

Psalms 109:1 is a plea from David, asking God not to remain silent but to respond to his situation. David addresses God as the one he praises, showing both his trust and his desperation for God to speak or act on his behalf.

David is the speaker in this psalm, directing his words to God during a time of distress. The verse opens the psalm by setting a tone of urgency—David feels wronged or attacked and longs for God to break His silence. By calling God "the God of my praise," David highlights his ongoing relationship with God, even as he faces trouble.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 109:1

  • "peace" — חָרַשׁ (charash): This word is often understood as "to be silent" or "to hold one's peace." David is not asking for calm, but rather pleading that God would not be quiet or inactive in his situation.
  • "God" — אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): This is a common Hebrew term for God, emphasizing God's power and authority. By using this name, David appeals to God's ability to intervene.
  • "praise" — תְּהִלָּה (tehillah): This word means "praise" or "song of praise." David is reminding God that he is the source of David's worship, underlining the personal connection and trust between them.

Why Psalms 109:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David is not just seeking relief, but specifically asking for God to respond—he wants God to speak or act, not just to comfort him quietly.
  • The phrase "God of my praise" shows that even in distress, David maintains a posture of worship and trust, which sets the tone for the rest of the psalm.
  • Understanding the plea for God not to be silent helps frame the rest of the psalm, which is filled with David's cries for justice and deliverance from his enemies.

Where else these words appear

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

“peace” Hebrew H2790 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
  • Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,