Psalms 109:1

ff— How can the God of love in the NT be reconciled with the vengeful God of these cursing Psalms?

PROBLEM: This psalm, like many others in the OT (e.g., Psalms 35; Psalms 69), pronounces curses on one’s enemies. Thus they are called imprecatory (cursing) psalms. David says, “Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow” (109:9). By contrast, Jesus said, “Love your enemies … and pray for those who … persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). How can the God of vengeance of the OT be the same as the God of love of the NT (1 John 4:16)?

SOLUTION: Several important factors must be kept in mind in understanding these imprecatory or so-called cursing psalms.

First, the judgment called for is based on divine justice and not on human grudges. David said clearly of his enemies in this psalm, “they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love” (v. 5). While David did pray this imprecation (curse) on his enemies, he nonetheless loved them and committed them to the justice of God for a due reward for their wicked deeds. David’s action in sparing Saul’s life is vivid proof that revenge was not a motivation behind this psalm. In spite of the fact that Saul stalked David’s life, David forgave Saul and even spared his life (cf. 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 26).

Third, since the Hebrew culture made no sharp distinction between the sinner and his sin, the judgment is expressed in personal terms rather than abstractly. Furthermore, since the Hebrew family was a solidarity, the whole family was saved (cf. Noah, Gen. 7–8) or judged together (cf. Achan, Joshua 7:24).

Fourth, the phenomenon of imprecation is not unique to the OT. Jesus urged His disciples to curse cities that did not receive the Gospel (Matthew 10:14). Jesus Himself called down judgment on Bethsaida and Capernaum in Matthew 11:21-24. Paul declared anathema any who did not love the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22). Even the saints in heaven cried out to God for vengeance on those who martyred believers (Revelation 6:9-10).

Even in these OT imprecations one can see an anticipation of Christ. God has committed all judgment to the Son (John 5:22). So those who long for justice are not only aspiring to His righteous kingdom, but can wait patiently for Him who comes quickly to execute it justly (Revelation 22:12).