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By R. A. Torrey & Edward D. Andrews

The Psalms, a collection of inspired songs and prayers, have long been a source of comfort, guidance, and instruction for believers. However, some of these psalms, particularly the imprecatory psalms, contain language that calls down calamity, destruction, and expresses God’s anger and judgment upon enemies. These passages have raised questions and objections, especially in light of the New Testament teachings on forgiveness and love for one’s enemies.

The Nature of the Imprecatory Psalms

The term “imprecatory” refers to invoking judgment, calamity, or curses upon one’s enemies. In the context of the Psalms, these imprecatory prayers reflect the psalmists’ deep emotions, often in the midst of severe persecution or injustice. It is important to understand that these prayers were not mere outbursts of personal vengeance but were rooted in a desire for divine justice.

Three Psalms frequently cited in this regard are Psalm 58:6, Psalm 109:10, and Psalm 137:8-9. These passages contain strong language that has led some to question how such sentiments could be consistent with the teachings of love and forgiveness found in the New Testament.

Psalm 58:6 – “O God, break the teeth in their mouths”

Psalm 58 is a prayer for justice against wicked rulers who pervert justice and harm the innocent. The psalmist describes the wicked as venomous serpents, and in verse 6, he prays, “O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Jehovah.” This vivid imagery is not merely a call for physical violence but a plea for God to render the wicked powerless, to stop them from causing further harm.

The breaking of teeth metaphorically represents disarming the wicked of their destructive power. The psalmist, under divine inspiration, is expressing a desire for God’s intervention to protect the righteous and to uphold justice. This prayer is consistent with the biblical principle that God is a just judge who will ultimately deal with evil and vindicate the oppressed (Psalm 7:11; Psalm 9:7-8).

Psalm 109:10 – “May his sons wander about and beg”

Psalm 109 is one of the most intense imprecatory psalms, where David prays against his enemies, particularly against a specific individual who has wronged him. In verse 10, David prays, “May his sons wander about and beg, searching for food from their ruined homes.” This harsh language reflects the depth of betrayal and injustice that David feels.

However, it is essential to recognize that David’s prayer is not born out of personal vindictiveness but rather a desire for divine justice. David, as the anointed king, represented God’s authority on earth, and an attack against him was seen as an attack against God’s appointed order. Therefore, David’s imprecations are rooted in a desire for God’s justice to prevail, not in personal revenge.

It is also important to note that imprecatory prayers in the Psalms often reflect the covenantal context in which they were written. In the Old Testament, God’s covenant with Israel included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The psalmist’s prayers for judgment against the wicked are, therefore, consistent with the covenantal understanding that God would uphold justice by punishing the wicked.

Psalm 137:8-9 – “Happy shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock”

Psalm 137 is a lament of the exiled Israelites, expressing their deep sorrow and longing for justice against Babylon, the nation that destroyed Jerusalem and carried them into captivity. Verses 8-9 contain one of the most troubling imprecations: “O daughter of Babylon, soon to be devastated, happy shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us. Happy shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock.”

This psalm reflects the deep pain and trauma experienced by the Israelites as they witnessed the destruction of their homeland and the brutal treatment of their people, including their children. The psalmist’s words express a longing for justice and retribution against those who have committed such heinous acts.

It is crucial to understand that these verses do not prescribe actions for believers to follow but rather express the raw emotions of a people who have suffered greatly. The psalmist is calling for divine retribution, not personal vengeance. The reference to dashing little ones against the rock reflects the brutal reality of ancient warfare, where such atrocities were common. The psalmist is not condoning these actions but is expressing a desire for Babylon to experience the same devastation it inflicted upon others.

Theological Context of the Imprecatory Psalms

To properly understand the imprecatory psalms, it is necessary to consider the broader theological context in which they were written. The Psalms are part of the Old Testament, where God’s covenant with Israel included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The imprecatory psalms reflect the psalmists’ desire for God to uphold His covenantal promises by punishing the wicked and protecting the righteous.

Furthermore, the imprecatory psalms must be understood in light of God’s justice and holiness. The psalmists recognized that God is a righteous judge who cannot tolerate sin and injustice. Their prayers for judgment against the wicked are consistent with the biblical teaching that God will ultimately judge all people according to their deeds (Psalm 96:13; Romans 2:6).

It is also important to recognize that the imprecatory psalms reflect the psalmists’ reliance on God to bring about justice, rather than taking matters into their own hands. The psalmists leave judgment in God’s hands, trusting that He will deal with the wicked according to His perfect justice.

The New Testament Perspective on Imprecation

Some critics argue that the imprecatory psalms are inconsistent with the New Testament teachings on love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation. Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). The Apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of leaving vengeance to God and not repaying evil for evil (Romans 12:17-19).

However, it is important to understand that the New Testament does not nullify the principles of justice and divine retribution found in the Old Testament. Rather, the New Testament builds upon these principles, emphasizing the role of Christ as the ultimate judge who will execute justice at His second coming (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 19:11-16).

The New Testament also recognizes that there is a time and place for imprecation. For example, in Galatians 1:8-9, Paul pronounces a curse (anathema) on anyone who preaches a false gospel. In 2 Timothy 4:14, Paul expresses confidence that “the Lord will repay” Alexander the coppersmith for the harm he did to Paul. These examples demonstrate that the desire for divine justice is not incompatible with the New Testament teachings on love and forgiveness.

Understanding Imprecation as a Call for Divine Justice

The imprecatory psalms should be understood as a call for divine justice rather than personal revenge. The psalmists are expressing a desire for God to uphold His righteousness by punishing the wicked and vindicating the righteous. These prayers reflect a deep trust in God’s justice and a recognition that He is the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs.

It is also important to recognize that the imprecatory psalms are expressions of deep emotion in response to severe injustice and suffering. The psalmists do not shy away from expressing their pain and anger, but they do so within the context of prayer, directing their emotions toward God rather than taking matters into their own hands.

The imprecatory psalms also serve as a reminder that God’s judgment is real and that He takes sin seriously. While the New Testament emphasizes God’s love and mercy, it also affirms that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately punish the wicked and reward the righteous (Romans 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Role of the Imprecatory Psalms in Christian Worship

The imprecatory psalms have a place in Christian worship, but they must be used with discernment. These psalms can serve as a reminder of the reality of evil in the world and the need for God’s justice. They can also provide a voice for those who are suffering injustice and persecution, offering a way to express their emotions and seek God’s intervention.

At the same time, believers must remember the New Testament teachings on love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation. The imprecatory psalms should not be used to justify personal vengeance or hatred but should be seen as prayers for God’s justice to be done according to His perfect will.

Incorporating the imprecatory psalms into Christian worship can also serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of God’s judgment. These psalms can help believers maintain a balanced understanding of God’s character, recognizing both His love and His justice.

Conclusion

The imprecatory psalms, with their strong language and calls for divine judgment, reflect the psalmists’ deep emotions in response to severe injustice and suffering. These prayers are not expressions of personal vengeance but rather calls for God to uphold His righteousness and justice. While the New Testament emphasizes love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation, it also affirms the reality of God’s judgment and the need for divine justice.

Understanding the imprecatory psalms in their theological and covenantal context helps to reconcile them with the broader biblical teachings on justice and mercy. These psalms remind believers of the seriousness of sin, the reality of God’s judgment, and the need to trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Incorporating the imprecatory psalms into Christian worship can provide a voice for those who are suffering and seeking God’s intervention while also serving as a reminder of the balance between God’s love and justice. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked according to His perfect will.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).