Why pray for vengeance, as does the psalmist here?
If vengeance is God’s, and thank God it is, then the Almighty needs no instructions such as6 “O God, break their teeth in their mouths”, or 8 “let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime.
- There is the honesty of the sufferer in these psalms, that the desire for revenge is voiced and not glossed over; and the expression of the hearts raw feelings is cleansing to the extent that the sufferer ends up with notes of praise. Yes, that’s true. And it would be just plain good if the venom of evil deeds were eradicated.
But I am still a bit uncomfortable with a request for exterminating evil doers because they do evil to me. Yes, evil needs to be thoroughly exterminated. But if this should come through the extermination of all evil doers, then maybe the world would be depopulated to emptiness, barrenness.
Better to wait for the extermination of evil through the conversion of evil hearts. God does that. But I admit, when you’re in the line of fire, it’s no easy thing to ray for those holding the guns. Life would be so much better without them. But on the other hand, if we can be channels for the conversion of evildoers, even a handful of them, their subsequent testimony can influence others like them. Remember, if you’re habitually on the right side, you may not be able to present an effective appeal to the one whose always been party to the wrong. Those of the bad camp may think that you don’t know their story, while the person who ‘defects’ from the evil camo might just get their ears.
No, not so? Well, I’ve heard people say tat they won’t listen to someone who they’ve known as a goody goody from childhood inviting them to switch sides. Their rationale is that this person has not experienced the “fun” of being in the wrong. Pardon, me, I see no fun in wrongdoing, but the wrongdoers seem to thin that their bad habits are funny.
So, I get back to the dilemma of trying to sway people who are hell bent on doing what is wrong. Only God can change them, of they’re ready for that. But don’t change your good side to bad by praying for their destruction. That kind of stress will eventually turn you bad too.
I am unconvinced that 10 “The righteous will rejoice when they see vengeance done; they will bathe their feet in the blood f the wicked.” Which righteous will enjoy that bloody glory? It’s no glory at all. Better to trust and wait t prove, 11 “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”