Page 81 - Psalms Ebook

book of Psalms so that approximately one out of ten psalms has at least
some note of imprecation in it.

Of course, the most severe are Psalm 35, Psalm 69 and Psalm 109.
Those are the ones that are really white hot. You read them and have to
ask yourself “what does this have to do with turning the other cheek?”
“What does this have to do with loving your enemy and praying for those
who persecute you and spitefully use you”? And it looks like David is
really heated. Here are some examples: Psalm 5:10,

“Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall!
In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, for they are
rebellious against You.”

That is sort of a mild imprecation, but it is still praying against someone.
Psalm 10:15,

“Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer, seek out his wickedness
until You find none.”

Psalm 35:3:

“Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me.”

Would you ever pray that? Lord, take the battle-axe against those who
are coming after me. Psalm 58:6:

“O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth.”

Listen to Psalm 69:22:

“May their table before them become a snare; and when they are in
peace, may it become a trap. May their eyes grow dim so that they
cannot see, and make their loins shake continually. Pour out Your
indignation on them, and may Your burning anger overtake them.
May their camp be desolate; may none dwell in their tents.”

Those are some tough prayers. Listen to Psalm 69:28:

“May they be blotted out of the book of life. And may they not be
recorded with the righteous.”

Oh, what a prayer that is. Psalm 137:9,

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