Do not forget the helpless
Psalms 10:12 - This psalm cries out to God to acknowledge the tribulations of the oppressed and to take action against those who perpetrate injustice.
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“Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.”
Psalms 10:12 NIV
At a first glance, the phrase “Arise, Lord!” could seem to be a request for God to wake up and pay attention to us. But in the Psalms, this phrase is seen frequently as a plea for God to arise and take immediate action against injustice. In the ancient Near East, deities (including our Yahweh) were thought of as warriors who would rise to defend their people. This call is repeated in other scriptures:
“Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. (Psalms 9:19 NIV)
“‘Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.” (Psalms 132:8 NIV)
“Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.” Psalms 7:6 NIV
“Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.” Psalms 3:7 NIV
“They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.” Psalms 73:20 NIV
“May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.” Psalms 68:1 NIV
This repetition throughout scripture reinforces belief in God’s sovereignty and how He changes circumstances for the better for His people.
Next, the psalmist (thought to be King David for this psalm) pleads for God to lift up His hand, symbolizing His omnipotence and authority. God’s hand — especially His right hand — is associated with His unmatchable strength and actions:
“Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.” Exodus 15:6 NIV
“The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!””Psalms 118:16 NIV
For His people, in the time that the Psalms were first being written and up until the present day, this imagery provides reassurance that God will protect and deliver His people.
This short psalm ends with a plea for God to “not forget the helpless,” those who are oppressed and vulnerable. The psalmist is appealing to God for the His justice and compassion He has for the helpless. God commanded His people in Isaiah 1:17 to:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 NIV
In other words, to be more like Him! Jesus was the embodiment of God’s care for the needy as He ministered to the poor and oppressed. This psalm cries out to God to acknowledge the tribulations of the oppressed and to take action against those who perpetrate injustice.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, I come to You today seeing Your presence and intervention in this world filled with trials, tribulations, and troubles. I pray that You will arise in this time of need, extending Your mighty hand of support and mercy. You know the plight of those who are helpless and feel their pain, so I ask with the assurance of my faith in You that You bless those who seek You and do not forget them in their time of distress. I humbly ask this in the name of Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica US, Inc.®. Used by permission.
BibleHub was accessed on April 23, 2026 for commentary on Psalms 10:12