Let Another Take His Office (Psalm 109:8)

2022-06-19

Let his days be few; and let another take his office. (Psalm 109:8)

This verse was applied to Judas Iscariot by Peter to appoint a new apostle in his place: “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take” (Acts 1:20).

The original passage was written by David. He expressed his sorrow and anger for people who treated him with evil for his kindness. However, in Psalm 109:6, the psalmist began to focus on one man that had harmed him: “Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand” (Psalm 109:6). That is a severe thing to wish on someone. His prayers would not be answered, he would be condemned, his children would be fatherless and homeless, and his wife a widow (Psalm 109:7-15).

This man did not show any mercy and did not remember the poor. Judas Iscariot did not show mercy to the Lord but sold Him for 30 pieces of silver. He stole from the funds that would have gone to the poor.

Another man did take his office. “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:25-26). Judas also went to his own place, as the Scripture told ahead of time: “...and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). “When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin” (Psalm 109:7).