Psalms 109:16

WEB

because he did not remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.

KJV

Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

Commentary

Because that he remembered not to show mercy,.... As Judas did not; neither to the poor, whom he cared not for, Joh 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?" Mat 26:49 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, Mat 23:23 , their want of compassion may be observed in the priest and Levite passing by the man wounded by thieves, Luk 10:30 . 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, Co2 8:9 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, Psa 69:20 , whose life the Jews sought to take away, and by means of Judas did.