A Quotation in Psalm 109 as Defence Exhibit A

Abstract

Psalm 109 contains an infamous imprecation, which roughly half of modern commentators identify as a quotation of an enemy curse. On the other hand, most who detect a quotation believe it to be aimed against the enemy anyway, in an act of poetic justice. This article assesses the debate and offers fresh grounds for a more recent proposal. The quotation includes not only curse, but an accusation, justifying the curse against David. David quotes his accuser’s case, to protest that it is the fabrication of enemies who have suborned perjury. Finally, he prays that this plot against him would fail.