Imprecatory Psalms

November 9, 2021 (Tuesday)

 

One of the main modern concepts of God is that He is “lovey-dovey.” I’m not denying the important role of love, but that is only one facet of God. The think about over emphasizing one aspect is we can create a one-dimensional god, out of balance, and out of touch.

 

The Psalms are an example of when God’s people are angry, in need of divine intervention, or desperate for justice. Justice and wrath seem to contradict the “lovey-dovey” image of God, but it’s as much part of God as love. We know “God is love” (see 1 John 4:8 and 16). However, we are also told, “For our God is a devouring fire.” [Hebrews 12:29 NLT] This verse reflects back to Deuteronomy 4:24, which also mentions God as “jealous.”

 

Did you know the Psalms reflects this part of God? Technically they are called, imprecatory Psalms. This is when the writer calls down curses and other bad things down on enemies. Please notice, the call for destruction is not based on personal desire or anger. The call is for specific corrective measures. Let’s take a look at Psalm 94 as an example.

 

Let’s start with a firm belief that God will avenge evil. “Lord, avenging God— avenging God, show yourself!” [Psalm 94:1 CEB] We need to recognize the fact that sin will not go unpunished and evil will not go unanswered. One line of theological thought is a judicial view of Jesus death as a just for sin. In other words, Jesus paid the price of our sin so we can be forgiven. For the record, that’s not a partial forgiveness… it is complete.

 

The specific action is based on a specific attitude and behavior that must be corrected in human behavior. “Rise up, judge of the earth! Pay back the arrogant exactly what they deserve!” [Psalm 94:2 CEB] I am glad that “He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.” [Psalm 103:10 NLT] That is called mercy and mercy has a purpose. Peter noted, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” [2 Peter 3:9 NLT]

 

Still, all is not satisfying when it relates to justice. Malachi observed, “So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up but they also test God and escape.’” [Malachi 3:15 NIV] When we see evil and people who behave badly prosper, the temptation is be frustrated and maybe angry at God. Despite this temptation, I think there is an expiration date on our behavior.

 

Psalm 94:8 warns, “You ignorant people better learn quickly. You fools—when will you get some sense?” [CEB] There is an ultimate threat/promise, “He will repay them for their wickedness, completely destroy them because of their evil. Yes, the Lord our God will completely destroy them.” [Psalm 94:23 CEB] God is the final judge. God is the only judge. God will repay (see Deuteronomy 32:35).

 

While Psalm 94 has some dark images, the promise is God takes the side of the righteous and the oppressed. Let me give you a final though to consider, “When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down.” [Psalm 94:19 CEB] The idea of being calmed may be an understatement. Other translations use, “cheer” and “joy.” That’s a big leap: anxiety to joy.

 

That shift from anxiety to calm (peace) and joy can happen only if one is on the correct side of justice. Only Jesus provides what we need to make the shift.