Thread by @carringtonam

Psalm 10 has much #PoliticalTheology regarding oppression. Digs into the mind/heart, not just the words and deeds.

The heart of the oppressor includes several sins. First, arrogance (vs. 2). This arrogance is also called pride (vs. 4). The essence of the arrogance/pride is two-fold. First, the posture toward God. This evil man's thoughts are "there is no God."

If there is no God, then the oppressor in some sense believes he is God or a god. This man also is "greedy for gain." Aristotle said the difference between good and bad ruler is whether he rules for himself or for the people. These oppressors if they are rulers are the bad ones.

If they are citizens they still pose a political problem, oppressing in a private fashion their fellows. The desire for gain is inherently selfish. And that gain often comes at the prince of taking from others, their property but even their liberties and lives.

Greed also is a passion that can consume. And is never satisfied. The Athenians were accused of limitless desire in the War agains the Spartans. It proved their downfall in the invasion of Syracuse.

They also believe, "“I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.” (vs. 6). This is part of their arrogance but also feeds their greed. God-like, they are untouchable and will only prosper in their ways.

Next, what are their words? Prideful, they "boast of the desires of their soul." They possess thumos. That thumos, that spiritedness, though wishes to brag of their vice. They even may appeal to their vice for political support. Their desires show their power, their ambition.

also, "His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" (vs. 7). Part of his oppression is his lying. His cursing also shows the soul of a bully. A tyrant who berates rather than leads and persuades. He also schemes (vs. 2).

Scheming results in deception.

What, then, does the oppressor do? He "Sits in ambush in the villages." He hides so he can "murder the innocent." He especially preys on the weak and the poor. Those who are "helpless." Might makes right for him and makes him right all the time.

Thus, we see into the thoughts, words, and deeds of the oppressor in this Psalm. The Psalm then turns in asking God to respond. God is God and shows himself to be here. As said in previous psalms, God rules forever and justly. He will use that power to protect the weak.

One more thought: to deny God's existence and make oneself a god, is at the heart of tyanny. Submission to God a basis for rulers limited in action to doing justice by law.