What to Do with the Imprecatory Psalms
Psalms that call down judgment on enemies can trouble modern readers. How should Christians pray them?
Some psalms ask God to destroy the wicked—Psalm 69, 109, and 137 are the most striking. These "imprecatory" psalms can make modern readers uncomfortable. Yet they are part of Scripture, and they have something to teach us.
First, they are prayers, not personal revenge. The psalmist does not take matters into his own hands; he hands the case to God. That is an act of faith—trusting the Judge to judge rightly rather than retaliating.
Second, they are honest about evil. They refuse to call injustice something God should ignore. In a world full of real oppression, asking God to act is not harsh; it is hope that God is just.
Finally, Christians pray them in the light of Christ, who prayed for His enemies from the cross. We can bring our anger to God, let Him search our hearts, and trust Him to deal with evil in His perfect justice and mercy.
Related Psalms
Psalm 69
“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.”
A deep lament of reproach for God’s sake, ending in hope and praise.
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“Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;”
Psalm 109 is an imprecatory psalm in which David, falsely accused and repaid evil for good, brings his anguish before the God of justice.
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