Psalm 109, verse 8

by David Safier

If you've been watching Rachel Maddow or following the blogs, you've probably seen that one of the latest anti-Obama slogans is a line from one of the Old Testament Psalms of David, 109, verse 8:

Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

This isn't just a dog whistle to the Christian right. It's more like a hand grenade.

I'll quote from the rest of the psalm in a minute, but here's one thing I found as I was googling the topic which I don't think I've read elsewhere. In the New Testament, Peter quotes 109 v.8 when the apostles are gathered to appoint a successor to Judas (Acts 1.20). Some Christians think the entire psalm is prophetic of Judas betraying Jesus, which Peter seems to state when he says a few lines earlier,

Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (Acts 1.16)

So, quoting the line from the psalm isn't just praying to remove Obama from office. It's comparing Obama to the reviled man in Christianity, the man who betrayed Jesus.

You can read the whole psalm here. But here are few more lines to give you an idea of how damning the psalm is of the person it refers to. And remember, this quotation is meant for people who are likely to pick up their Bibles and read the rest of the psalm or preachers and other speakers who will read the words to an audience. The line is not meant to be read in isolation.

Here are a few lines surrounding verse 8:

When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.

Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.

Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

I could go on, but why bother? You can read it yourself.

These are very, very frightening people.