“Let Another Take His Place”

Psalm 109

Background

An imprecatory psalm – one who calls upon God to curse or defeat one’s enemies

“The most terrible psalm in the whole psalter” (Coffman)

A harsh psalm at a time when David was betrayed

Vs. 8 quoted in Acts 1:8 concerning Judas Iscariot

The Hurt of the Psalmist (1-5)

“Do not keep silent” – David calls upon God to act! For His posterity.

“The mouth of the wicked and deceitful have opened against me.” Grief over rejection of God.False accusations

The Hurt of the Psalmist (1-5)

In return for my love they are my accusers – Matt. 5:43-44, 7:12, Rom. 12:18-21, 1 Peter 3:9Often the ungodly will return goodness with evil (consider Jesus on the cross)

Imprecation against his enemy (6-20)

Very strong words requesting total desolation (6-15)- set a wicked man over them- an accuser to his right- let him be found guilty- let his prayers become sin- let his days be few- let another take his office

Imprecation against his enemy (6-20)

Very strong words requesting total desolation (6-15)- let his children be fatherless- let him be a widow- let his children be vagabonds and beg- let creditors seize all that he has- let strangers plunder his labor- let his name be blotted out- remember the sins of his parents

Imprecation against his enemy (6-20)

Note that his enemy is wicked (17-20)– he did not remember to show mercy- he persecuted the poor and needy - he loved cursing (may it be returned to him)- he did not love blessing (may they flee from him)- he was clothed with cursing – may it cover him like a garment

Thoughts about imprecatory psalms

David while calling upon God for curses, he does not act himself

It was not a demand but a request Most such psalms acknowledge the

goodness of God. May His will prevail – Rom. 8:28, Heb. 10:30, 2 Thess. 1:6

It was under the Old Law. WE must be careful in applying such today

Thoughts about imprecatory psalms

Considering the wicked… They NEED to be stopped! But we are powerless to do it Every harshness mentioned

in this psalm can stop wickedness.

Thoughts about imprecatory psalms

Considering the wicked… What about the children and

parents? Were they righteous? Would their conduct influence or lead to more evil?

We are instructed to direct our children (Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6:4)

God chose to include this in His inspired writings

Thoughts about imprecatory psalms

How are we to act as Christians? Pray for our enemies (Matt. 5:43-

45) Do good for enemies (Rom. 12:18-

21) Let God be the judge (Rom. 12:19) Follow the example of Jesus (Luke

23:34, 1 Pet. 2:20-23)

Thoughts about imprecatory psalms

Something to think about? Is it wrong to pray to God to

defeat His enemies so that His will prevail? Consider our harshest enemies today!

WHAT is our motives? 1 Tim. 2:1-2

A plea to God to deal with him (21-31)

Deal with me for YOUR name’s sake. Matt. 26:42, 6:10, 1 Cor. 10:31

His goodness acknowledged I am poor and needy – he

needs God (22-24)Matt. 4:3, John 15:5, Phil. 4:13

A plea to God to deal with him (21-31)

I also am a reproach to them – the world hates the godly 1 Pet. 4:4, 1 John 3:13, John 15:18-19

Help me, save me (26) That they may know this is

YOUR hand (27)

A plea to God to deal with him (21-31)

Let them curse, you bless,…let Your servant rejoice. (28)

Let my accusers be clothed with shame – IF it be His will. (29)

I will greatly praise the Lord (30-31), He wills stand with the right

May our lives be a blessing to all, both good and evil

Philippians 2:14-16