The New Testament makes it clear that our enemy is spiritual, not physical (Ephesians 6:12). While Jesus Himself quoted some imprecatory psalms (John 2:17 15:25), He also instructed us to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44–48 Luke 6:27–38). In writing the imprecatory psalms, the authors sought vindication on God’s behalf as much as they sought their own. These groups were not only enemies of Israel, but they were also enemies of God they were degenerate and ruthless conquerors who had repeatedly tried and failed to destroy the Lord’s chosen people. God’s people had suffered much at the hands of those who opposed them, including the Hittites, Amorites, Philistines, and Babylonians (the subject of Psalm 137). Instead, they are prayers that keep God’s justice, sovereignty, and protection in mind. When studying the imprecatory psalms, it is important to note that these psalms were not written out of vindictiveness or a need for personal vengeance. “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks” (Psalm 137:9). “Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland” (Psalm 79:6–7). “Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down with your sword rescue me from the wicked” (Psalm 17:13). Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you” (Psalm 5:10). “Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. The following are a few examples of the imprecatory language gleaned from these psalms: This type of psalm is found throughout the book. Imprecatory psalms are those in which the author imprecates that is, he calls down calamity, destruction, and God’s anger and judgment on his enemies. There are seven major types of psalms found in this book: lament psalms, thanksgiving psalms, enthronement psalms, pilgrimage psalms, royal psalms, wisdom psalms, and imprecatory psalms.Īn imprecation is a curse that invokes misfortune upon someone. It was written by several authors, including King David. The book of Psalms is rich with poetry, praise, joy, sorrow, and more.
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