DOUBLE-EDGED PRAYER

This psalm starts in a traditional direction but as we read on it becomes clear the writer is blending two themes we don’t normally put together. ‘May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands’ (v 6). You may have found that jarring, so let’s unpack what the psalmist was really saying. First, this psalm is filled with good ideas for praising God. We are encouraged to sing ‘a new song’ (v 1) to the Lord, with dancing and all kinds of instruments (v 3). When I’m in church, I sometimes wonder what the people around me are thinking. We may all be singing from the same hymnbook, but one may be angry with their spouse, another feeling defeated by sin, another critical of the clergy. Perhaps a new song begins with a change of heart, not just a change of tune. Another idea I love is how the psalmist encourages faithful people to ‘sing for joy on their beds’ (v 5), which is better than sleepless fretting, although I suspect my wife would prefer that I praise God in my heart!

Second, the psalmist moves unapologetically into praying for vengeance, which is challenging to reconcile. We need to remember, however, that ‘the nations’ referred to here (v 7) worshipped idols, did detestable things, and were intent on destroying the people of God.1 Nor should we forget the ‘imprecatory psalms’, those that invoke judgment and punishment on God’s enemies,2 though we should not use them to justify attacking anyone who disagrees with us. As the apostle Paul said, ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’.3 That’s our real enemy.

Do you have anyone you’d consider an enemy, or who seems out to get you? Pray for them today.4