The Psalter contains many examples of imprecatory psalms, among which verses #35, #109, and #137 are suggested for this discussion. Regardless of the specific part, however, we should first outline the significance and role of such poetic forms. In general, imprecatory psalms represent an appeal to God or a prayer in which the author calls upon the Almighty for acts of open struggle and punishment against enemies (Schmoyer 2019). These can be objective enemies of God as well as those people who may appear to be enemies. This is especially evident when considering the imprecatory psalms through a religious paradigm, as the author pleads for God’s vengeance against personal enemies: “with those who contend with me” or “for people… have opened their mouths against me” (Psalm 35:1; Psalm 109:2). On the other hand, the appearance of enemies in the Psalm may be depersonalized, as shown in “…the poor from those too strong for them,… those who rob them” (Psalm 35:10). Thus, the imprecatory psalms may be considered a personal appeal to God for justice.
Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of the nature of such psalms reveals that they were created as a catharsis for a Jewish religious audience. By calling on God for just vengeance, believers purified their hearts and absolved themselves of responsibility for a violent solution. It is important to remember that the Jewish community was permanently under the oppression of other nationalities, and therefore they needed protection (Psalm 137:3,7). Thus, this form of prayer is an openly sung confession through recognition of one’s enemies and a desire for retribution against them.
An apparent paradox emerges when we summarize the theme of the imprecatory psalms and the philosophy of Christ. The well-known saying about turning the other cheek when struck, illustrating divine submission and tolerance, does not seem to correlate with a plea for vengeance for one’s enemies (Matthew 5:38-42). This raises the question of the appropriateness of following the disobedient psalms for a Christian who is convinced of the unwavering righteousness of Christ. For this, it is essential to remember that the verses in question were not written as a sincere longing for torment for the enemies, but primarily as confidence in divine justice and omnipotence (Psalm 35:24; Psalm 109:21,26,31). According to the two gospels’ texts, he addressed imprecatory psalms in his being but maintained that one’s neighbor should be forgiven and loved (Matthew 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-38). It follows that the phenomenon of the imprecatory psalms is not in itself inconsistent with Christian philosophy, nor is its recitation sinful. Nevertheless, the thoughts and interpretation with which believers address such psalms determine their sincerity and deep religiosity. Thus, a true Christian will not desire the destruction of their enemy but will plead with God for justice for one who has fallen under the Devil’s bonds.
In today’s world, the applicability of imprecatory psalms can be misinterpreted. Our world is filled with brutality, terrorism, wars, and corruption, the perpetrators of which seemingly can be punished no other way than with painful revenge. Millions of sincere and helpless people suffer every day because of thousands of such evildoers. However, despite the world’s dynamics, Christianity remains unchanged: one must treat everyone with love and compassion (1 Timothy 2). In a fit of anger and rage, it is essential to remember that God makes just decisions in the end (Romans 12:19). This includes doubting Christians, just as the Highest mercifully guided Moses (Genesis 12:3; Exodus 4:13). Therefore, it is wrong to use only the emotionally negative aspect of the imprecatory psalms, but it is right to appeal to God with a desire for justice and righteous retribution.
References
Barnett, Tim. 2017. “Bible Differences Aren’t Contradictions.”
Bible Gateway. 2018. “Psalm 35”.
Bible Gateway. 2018. “Psalm 109”.
Bible Gateway. 2018. “Psalm 137”.
BioLogos. 2019. “How Should we Interpret the Genesis Flood Account?”2021.
Faithlife. 2020. “ Holy Bible.”
Schmoyer, Rachel. 2019. “What are the Imprecatory Psalms?”
Stewart, Don. 2020. “The Gospel of Matthew: A Verse by Verse Commentary.” Review of The Gospel, by Matthew. Educating Our World, 2020. Web.