Friday, August 23 – Psalms 109, 110

1. Can I pray imprecatory prayers? (Psalms 109:20-22)

2. What are imprecatory prayers?

3. Did Jesus and the New Testament writers pronounce such prayers? (Matthew 23:13-21)

Commentary and Reflection:

The answer to the first question is “Yes,” we can and should pray imprecatory prayers. As difficult as it may be to accept, the answer aligns with the biblical record. Furthermore, David does not contradict Jesus’ words that we should love our enemies, as Jesus Himself condemned the goats in His prophetic sermon (Matthew 25) and asked for forgiveness for His executioners at Calvary. Again, an imprecatory psalm is a type of lament. In Hebrew wisdom literature, lament psalms comprise God’s people’s individual and collective cries. These are invocations of divine curse.

Specifically, imprecatory psalms vocalize Israel’s tears in the face of injustice and suffering. By praying for God’s curse on their enemies, Israel sought to exalt the goodness of God’s law for His people. Imprecatory psalms help to shape the pain and indignation experienced by God’s people in a world corrupted by sin.

Examples of these imprecations are found in Psalms 5, 6, 35, 69, and 109, cited in the New Testament. There are declarations of curses throughout the biblical canon. For example, Jesus pronounces “woes” of justice against the religious leaders in Matthew 23. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul declares anathema on anyone who preaches another gospel. And the blood of the martyrs cries out to God to avenge their blood in Revelation 6:10.

Although the psalmist’s words are strong, he never expresses a desire to take revenge himself in his prayer and imprecation but instead leaves it to God. David says in this situation, “But I give myself to prayer” (Psalm 109:4). The apostle Paul advises us, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

Let us say with David, “I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude. For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, To save him from those who condemn him” (Psalm 109:30-31). Let this be our praise amid pain and suffering!

Psalm 110 is messianic, exalting the Messiah’s dominion. This poem or song holds a special place among the most majestic in Hebrew literature. It has been considered “the pearl of messianic psalms” (CBA, Vol. 3, p. 880). Here, Christ is presented not only as King and Ruler of this world but also as the eternal Priest by God’s solemn vow. In short, He is the King and Priest par excellence.

David’s first expression offers a beautiful dialogue between Jehovah God (Yahweh) and Adonai (The Lord). In His argument with the Pharisees, who considered that Jesus was committing sacrilege and blasphemy by equating Himself with God, He asked them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?” (Matthew 22:43-44).

Undoubtedly, Jesus and the New Testament give this Psalm a direct messianic sense. The epistle to the Hebrews (5:6) cites Psalm 110:4 to confirm Christ’s eternal priesthood.

From these two psalms, we can, as Christians, first be assured that in a world infected by sin, where there is much pain and suffering, we can trust that in the end, God’s justice and mercy will prevail over evil. Ultimately, God’s character and His people’s will are vindicated (Psalm 109).

We can have joy knowing that Jesus, the Messiah, is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is our High Priest forever and will soon come as the Victorious Messiah.

Come, Lord Jesus!