Psalm 109

This morning we come to an imprecatory psalm, which is a psalm that calls down curses. There are several in the psalms. This is the last of them and probably the harshest overall. What are we to make of it? In the New Testament Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Does this not run counter to that? These are important questions that we must answer as the psalms are often held out as a model for prayer. It is also important to answer that we might understand the relationship of the Old Testament to the New.

What about practically? This psalm resonates with someone who has been the victim of grave injustice, particularly against one whose name has been tarnished or who has been the victim of false accusation. It is painful to be falsely accused. The damage runs deep and can paint long-term doubt in the mind of the judge, or the public at large if they have been witness to it. And it doesn’t only affect the accused, but all who are associated with him. At one point or another, this is something you’ve experienced or will experience. How do you deal with it?

We take our pain and our longing for justice to the Lord.

Why?