I read a great blog post today titled “Imprecatory Psalms and Other Hostilities?” from another blogger on WordPress (see intro and link below) on the use and meaning of Imprecatory Psalms found in the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. For an explanation regarding what are Imprecatory Psalms, read the information at this link at GotQuestions.org.
King David and the other writers of the Psalms lived during Old Testament times, and we who are living today starting back when Jesus Christ was here on Earth are living in what is known as the “Age of Grace.” Given that fact, we are never instructed to curse or pray negatively regarding our enemies (including those we might perceive as enemies even though we don’t personally know them). In fact, Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 5:43-48:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
You can also go to this link at GotQuestions.org to read about what Jesus meant when he instructed us to love our enemies.
The apostle Paul also states the following in Romans 12:14-21:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Please enjoy this blogger’s post titled, “Imprecatory Psalms and Other Hostilities?” which is located below.
Photo credit here
Okay, so I live in this land of extremes trapped somewhere between the far left and the far right, possessing very little loyalty towards either group. It’s more like sheer survival on my part, adaptation, trauma avoidance, and constant healing. I mean seriously, does it really matter which side of the cliff we accelerate towards?? Either way, I do not think the crazy clowns should be driving and I do not look forward to the landing.
Let’s slip in the Christian factor where alas, culture is clearly evident in the church, too. There is a definite power struggle between the woke and the unwoke. I got the rainbow pastor out marrying gay people but I also got the guy with the bullhorn just screaming, “God hates you, repent.”
I’m not complaining by any means, I just want to point out that in the last 15 years, neither one of those…
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