Psalms 109:16

16 because he did not remember to be kind. "He drove oppressed, needy, and brokenhearted people to their graves.

Psalms 109:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 109:16

Because that he remembered not to show mercy
As Judas did not; neither to the poor, whom he cared not for, ( John 12:6 ) nor to Christ, whom he betrayed with a kiss to his enemies: nor had these words of Christ any effect upon him, to move his pity and compassion, "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" ( Matthew 26:49 Matthew 26:50 ) nor did the Jews show mercy to him: they were a merciless and hardhearted people; though mercy was one of the weightier matters of the law, this they omitted, ( Matthew 23:23 ) , their want of compassion may be observed in the priest and Levite passing by the man wounded by thieves, ( Luke 10:30-32 ) . Nor did they show any mercy to Christ, when they smote and buffeted him; nor did it move their pity when Pilate brought him forth with a crown of thorns on his head, and in a miserable condition, saying, "Behold the man"; but they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him"; and gave him gall for his meat, and vinegar to drink; and mocked him when in all his miseries and agonies.

But persecuted the poor and needy man;
Christ, who became poor for our sakes, and stood in need of the ministration of others to him, ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ) ( Luke 8:3 ) and was poor in spirit, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with griefs; him Judas and the Jews persecuted to death, as follows:

that he might even slay the broken in heart;
Christ, whose heart was broken with the reproach and cruel usage of men, ( Psalms 69:20 ) , whose life the Jews sought to take away, and by means of Judas did.

Psalms 109:16 In-Context

14 Let the LORD remember the guilt of his ancestors and not wipe out his mother's sin.

15 Let their guilt and sin always remain on record in front of the LORD. Let the LORD remove every memory of him from the earth,

16 because he did not remember to be kind. "He drove oppressed, needy, and brokenhearted people to their graves.

17 He loved to put curses [on others], so he, too, was cursed. He did not like to bless [others], so he never received a blessing.

18 He wore cursing as though it were clothing, so cursing entered his body like water and his bones like oil.