Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
This Psalm differs from those which precede and follow, in having no superscription. The design of the author was that the two Psalms Psalms 9:1-20; Psalms 10:1-18 should form two parts of one whole, with one common superscription. So Psalms 1:1-6 and Psalms 2:1-12; Psalms 42:1-11 and Psalms 43:1-5 are related. That both alike come from David, appears from their mutual resemblance. This psalm is designed for 'God's people in all seasons of distress' (Kinchi). The Hebrew alphabetical arrangement shows that the reference is general, not individual.
Psalms 10:1-18.-Complaint to God against ungodly oppressors (Psalms 10:1-11); prayer that Yahweh will confute those boasting of impunity in sin (Psalms 10:12-15); assurance that He, as King forever, has heard, and will vindicate the oppressed humble (Psalms 10:16-18).
Why standest thou afar off? - as though thou wert an indifferent spectator to the oppression suffered by thy people. "Why" is not the question of unbelief, but the complaint of faith, based on the conviction that God's righteousness cannot allow such an anomaly to continue.
Hidest thou (thyself) - or 'coverest thou (thine eyes).' There is no Hebrew for thyself. Compare Leviticus 20:4; 1 Samuel 12:3, margin.
In times of trouble - literally, 'in respect to seasons, in trouble' or, 'straits.' David allude, in contrast, to Psalms 9:9, "The Lord will be a refuge (a high place) in times of trouble." Why does a state of things continue which seems to contradict that character of the Lord?