Podcasts about imprecatory

Understanding the Imprecatory PsalmsAppoint someone evil to oppose my enemy. Let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty...May his days be few... May his children be wandering beggars... - Psalm 109Those words are in the Bible. For many Christians, reading Psalm 109 for the first time is shocking. It sounds more like a cry of vengeance than a prayer of faith. How can these words exist alongside Jesus' command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)?These prayers have a name: imprecatory prayers.Imprecatory prayers are prayers that call upon God to judge evil, stop the wicked, and bring justice. They are not rare exceptions hidden in obscure parts of Scripture. The Psalms contain many of them, including Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 69, 70, 79, 83, and 109.But what are we supposed to do with them? Here are a few things to consider.They Are Inspired ScriptureOne temptation is to dismiss these psalms as emotional outbursts. Perhaps David lost his temper. Maybe the psalmists were simply expressing raw human emotion. But Scripture itself will not allow us to take that approach. The Psalms are inspired by God and accepted as such by both Jews and Christians. Even more significantly, Jesus treated them as authoritative Scripture. The New Testament quotes from imprecatory psalms without apology or correction. Jesus referenced them, and both Peter and Paul drew from them in their teaching.What About "Love Your Enemies"?The greatest tension comes when we compare these psalms with Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.Jesus said:Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. - Matthew 5:44How do we reconcile that command with prayers asking God to bring judgment?Context matters.The imprecatory psalms are often written from a kingdom context. David was not merely a private individual nursing personal grudges. He was God's appointed king, responsible for protecting a nation from those who sought its destruction. Jesus, however, was addressing personal relationships. He taught His followers how to respond when insulted, mistreated, or persecuted in everyday life. Turning the other cheek addresses personal retaliation, pride, and revenge. It does not erase the reality that evil exists and sometimes threatens innocent lives. The two teachings are simply addressing different situations.These Prayers Are Not About Personal RevengeThe imprecatory psalms should never become weapons for settling personal scores. They are not prayers against the coworker who gossiped about you nor tools for getting even with someone who hurt your feelings.God says:It is mine to avenge; I will repay. - Deuteronomy 32:35Personal vengeance belongs to God. Imprecatory prayers are not invitations to hatred. They are acts of surrender that place justice in God's hands rather than our own.A Cry for Evil to Be StoppedAt their heart, these prayers express a longing for evil to end. They arise in moments when wickedness seems unchecked, when innocent people suffer, and when injustice appears to triumph. For believers living in times of war, this reality becomes painfully clear. When missiles fall and innocent lives are threatened, the immediate prayer is often not, "Lord, help me feel more forgiving." Instead, it is, "Lord, stop this evil. Protect the innocent. Do whatever is necessary to bring this violence to an end." Imprecatory prayers remind us that longing for justice is not unspiritual. It reflects God's own hatred of evil.God's Glory Is the GoalThese psalms are ultimately God-centered.Psalm 79:9 says:Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for your name's sake.The deepest concern of these prayers is not personal comfort but God's honor. They ask: Will evil have the final word? Will the wicked appear victorious forever? Or will the world see that God is righteous, just, and worthy of glory?The imprecatory psalms cry out for God to vindicate His name.What Can We Learn?The imprecatory psalms teach us that:Evil is real and should never be minimized.Justice matters because God is just.Personal revenge belongs to God alone.There are times when it is right to ask God to stop evil.God's glory, not our bitterness, must remain at the center of our prayers.Most of us will not pray prayers like Psalm 109 every day.But perhaps our discomfort with these passages reveals something important. We often prefer a version of God that is loving but not judging, merciful but not holy. Yet the Bible presents a God who is both. He is patient and compassionate, but He also hates evil and promises that injustice will not endure forever.

Send us Fan MailNEW EPISODE - I'm so pleased to welcome back my friend Peter Wehner —  political thinker, former White House speechwriter, regular contributor to The Atlantic and The New York Times, and one of the most thoughtful Christian voices speaking into America's moral and political turmoil.Peter joins me to discuss four remarkable recent *essays that confront some of the darkest and most urgent questions facing our nation right now. Together, we explore the rise of militant Christian nationalism, the theology and rhetoric surrounding Pete Hegseth, and the dangerous fusion of political grievance, religious certainty, and the language of holy war.Peter examines how biblical texts — especially the imprecatory Psalms — are being weaponized to justify aggression, vengeance, and even bloodlust in modern political life. We talk about the influence of figures like Douglas Wilson, the appeal to “King David” spirituality, and why many respected biblical scholars insist that the conquest ethic of the Old Testament cannot be used as a model for Christian political action today. As Peter argues, the Sermon on the Mount stands as a direct repudiation of that worldview.We also step back from the headlines to reflect on our deeply fractured culture — our polarization, loneliness, loss of community, and longing for what the Hebrew Scriptures call shalom. Along the way, we draw wisdom from voices like Desmond Tutu, Rowan Williams, and David Bentley Hart.This is an honest, sobering, and ultimately hopeful conversation about faith, power, truth, and the soul of America. I hope you'll join us.*See SHOW NOTES for Pete's four recent essays.Support the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!Ken's Substack PageThe Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected a Colorado law that restricted counselors from assisting clients who wished to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Luke Goodrich from The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty joins to discuss with Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll why the Supreme Court was nearly unanimous on the decision, and the implications for free speech. Then, CT's Sho Baraka stops by to discuss the high unemployment and underemployment rate of college graduates, and where grads can find hope. Finally, Daniel K. Williams joins to analyze Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's service at the Pentagon in which he prayed imprecatory prayers against America's enemies. This in contrast with Pope Leo's Palm Sunday sermon, in which he prayed for peace in the midst of war. REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: Conversion Therapy, TikTok's Algorithm, and Child Abuse Convictions - The Bulletin Young Graduates Face the Grimmest Job Market in Years - The New York Times War Projections, 2028 Hopefuls, AI Novels, and Men's College Attendance - The Bulletin ABOUT THE GUESTS: Luke Goodrich is vice president and senior counsel at Becket, where he represents religious organizations and individuals in religious liberty disputes in courts across the country, including in the Supreme Court. He is the award-winning author of Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America. Luke has appeared on CNN, Fox News, ABC World News, PBS, and NPR, and has been published or quoted in major outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and The New York Times. Sho Baraka is Christianity Today's Big Tent editorial director. He is a recording artist, performer, culture curator, activist, and writer. He is a cofounder of Forth District and the And Campaign, and he has served as an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. He was an original member of influential hip-hop consortium 116 Clique, recording with Reach Records. Daniel K. Williams teaches American history at Ashland University and is the author of several books on Christianity and politics in the United States, including The Politics of the Cross: A Christian Alternative to Partisanship and Defenders of the Unborn: The Pro-Life Movement before Roe v. Wade. His work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We see that Jesus pronounces woes upon the Pharissee's in last weeks teachings, as we where learning that imprecatory prayers and Psalms were not to be used by new believers, for personal vendettas or revenge but by the more mature believers and that against God's enemies such as the False teachers, advesaries to the cross. It is a tool or weapon in the hands of those who know how and when to use the sword of God's word.

We're continuing learning about imprecatory prayers, and that they should not be prayed by new believers or those without a working knowledge of the Scriptures. We see that prayer is both a weapon and a tool. These prayers are one of the means whereby God deals with His enemies, bringing His Kingdom to be done in earth. They in this time probably should be aimed at governments, and false religious teachings. They are not for personal vengeance, or angry retaliation for perceived wrongs.

The Church has to be taught about one of the weapons of our warfare that can be both a tool or weapon, and should not be handled carelessly. It is one that calls into action to bring judgment upon His enemies that His will may be done in our lives. It is at odds between members of the Christian faith as to whether it should be used today. But we can see it can be one of the fiery darts, a sword or rod upon our adversaries.

We study prayers here that we have or need a working use of God's word to pray these types prayers, which should be seldom used against your personal enemies but for the enemies of God or His work, those against the Spirit of Truth. We must also realize the consequences' for answers to these prayers are up to God. It is up to Him to address them in the way He what's and when.

You can give to this ministry via(1) cashapp: $GregChacon(2) PayPal: @Holistic235You can follow me on (1) Instagram: prophetic_discipleship_94(2) YouTube: @PastorGreg94(3) TikTok: greg.david.chacon

What *actually* makes exorcisms effective? What are demons? What is the Catholic teaching on magic, grimoires and spirit summoning? Jimmy Akin - Catholic theologian, philosopher, author and host of ‘Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World' - goes deep into magic, theology, testing spirits, near-death-experiences, answers questions from Patrons and more!⇓ ⇓ ⇓►⚡Support Jimmy's on Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/JimmyAkinPodcast ►✅Jimmy's website - https://jimmyakin.com/ ►▶️Subscribe to Jimmy's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyAkin ►

Speaker: Reverend Kyuboem Lee, Passage: Psalm 10, Series: Psalms

In this episode of Home Row, Jeff Medders welcomes writer Glenna Marshall to discuss her journey as a writer, her latest book 'Known and Loved', and the importance of God's love as expressed in Psalm 139. They explore the writing process, the challenges of balancing writing with publicity, and the significance of imprecatory prayers. Glenna shares her insights on how to engage with Scripture and the transformative power of God's love, emphasizing the need for writers to serve their readers and glorify God through their work.Glenna's New BookJeff's Amazon Author PageChapters00:00 Welcome Back to Home Row02:40 The Journey to Becoming a Writer05:59 The Writing Process and Life as an Author15:47 Exploring Psalm 139 and God's Love23:57 Surprises in Writing and Understanding God's Affection28:48 Understanding Psalm 139: Comfort in God's Presence30:18 The Journey of Writing: Balancing Projects31:32 Navigating the Challenges of Multiple Book Contracts34:29 The Role of Deadlines in Writing39:56 Writing for the Kingdom: Purpose and Passion42:25 The Subtext of Writing: Encouraging Love for Scripture46:17 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights into the Writer's LifeTakeawaysGlenna Marshall emphasizes the importance of journaling for writers.The writing process can be messy and unglamorous, often taking place in everyday settings.Writing is a tool for serving the church and helping others know God's love.Imprecatory prayers can be understood through the lens of God's love and justice.Glenna's writing aims to make readers love God's Word and understand His affection for them.The balance between writing and publicity can be challenging for authors.Glenna's writing journey began with journaling as a child and evolved into blogging and book writing.The significance of Psalm 139 is highlighted as a declaration of God's delight in His people.Writers should focus on their purpose and the impact they want to have on their readers.Every writer has a subtext that influences their work.

Passage: Psalm 10, Speaker: Kyuboem Lee, Series: Psalms Mini-Series

Title: Psalm 137: An Imprecatory Psalm Text: Psalm 137 Speaker: Lance Williams Date: July 13, 2025

Psalm 83 is an intriguing psalm. On the surface it is characterized as an imprecatory psalm in which Asaph calls upon God for vengeance by utterly destroying Israel's enemies. But upon deeper reflection, one notices that the psalm is arranged around the three major promises of the covenant God made with Abraham: an eternal nation, an eternal land, and eternal blessings upon both Israel and the nations.The psalmist, then, is not merely driven by a desire for vengeance and judgment. Rather, the psalmist's desire is for the promises of the Abrahamic covenant to come to fruition. But because of the nations' hatred for the Lord, and consequently, his people Israel, for those promises to be realized God must first deliver his people from all their enemies and do this in such a way that it leads the nations to repent of their sin and to seek the Lord.Asaph then closes his prayer on a hopeful note (vs.16-18). Out of a desire for the Lord to fulfill his promise to Israel to provide blessings to them and the nations, he prays Israel's enemies would be humbled before the Lord.YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/X7YH6wDUUZgSend us a text

Psalm 137 (LSB)Andrew and Edwin consider what the startling imprecation of Psalm 137 really means in the historical and societal context in which it was written. This takes a look at the familial, tribal mindset of the ancients and how that impacted their view of the premier judgment against anyone.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21620The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 137 (NLT)Andrew and Edwin consider the contrast between Jerusalem/Zion and Babylon/Edom. We can't be in favor of both. Being for Jerusalem means being against Babylon. Being for Zion means being against Edom. We can't keep a foot in each city.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21598The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 137 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin talk about some fundamental principles regarding imprecations in the psalms, helping us understand the startling imprecation of Psalm 137.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21585The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 137 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin discuss the startling imprecation of Psalm 137 and learn we must wrestle with the Bible we're given, not try to conform it into the Bible we want.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21567The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

You can give to this ministry via(1) cashapp: $GregChacon(2) PayPal: @Holistic235You can follow me on (1) Instagram: prophetic_discipleship_94(2) YouTube: @ProphetGreg94(3) TikTok: greg.david.chacon

This week, Matt and Tyler rip another spelling bee and discuss the imprecatory Psalms.

Quite a few psalms in the Bible are prayers against our attackers. Is that an acceptable prayer for us to still pray today? Watch the video version of this podcast.  You can read more about this kind of praying in my posts: Still Maturing, Trespassers, and When You're Unfairly Attacked. The full sermon about dealing with slanderers is here, and you can also go much deeper with this subject in my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Praying for those, who are so destructive to other people, to be stopped completely—sent to the grave—is a prayer for the victim and predator. It is for the victim's freedom. And, it is to stop the destruction wrought by the oppressor.

Daustin helps us understand why context matters when reading Scripture talking about enemies. Devotionables #764 - On The Run: An Imprecatory Psalm Psalm 35 The PsalmsDevotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.  naobc.org

You can give to this ministry via(1) cashapp: $GregChacon(2) PayPal: @Holistic235You can follow me on (1) Instagram: prophetic_discipleship_94(2) YouTube: @ProphetGreg94(3) TikTok: greg.david.chaconAdditional messages ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Ask A Question: saythatpodcast@gmail.com Read Jed's article about the song Lee wrote for his wedding: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-wedding-song-teach-us-about-creative-commercial-success-1235262312/ Intro and a totally-not-jealous emergency (00:00-18:35) Jesus says we should pray for our enemies. Does praying for them to get hit by lightning count? (19:26-36:48) There are times in the Bible where it says that Jesus heals someone, but also times where Jesus tells them “your faith has healed you.” Is that just a way of saying the same thing, or is there something different going on with some of them? (36:52-47:35) Obviously racism, sexism, etc is wrong. But is it un-christian? Is there a Christian/biblical case against it? (47:38-01:04:46) Closing Song: Take My Life and Let It Be (Lee Younger)

You can give to this ministry via(1) cashapp: $GregChacon(2) PayPal: @Holistic235You can follow me on (1) Instagram: prophetic_discipleship_94(2) YouTube: @ProphetGreg94(3) TikTok: greg.david.chacon

A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Parable of the Clay Vessel and the Imprecatory Prayer of Jeremiah Subtitle: Jeremiah 2024 Speaker: Joe Morecraft III Broadcaster: Heritage Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 1/26/2025 Bible: Jeremiah 18:1-20 Length: 67 min.

Psalm 119:65-80 (NCV)Andrew and Edwin consider an imprecation in Psalm 119 and the unique context in which it is found.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=19787The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

A Prophetic Imprecatory Proclamation Rev. Tyler Kenyon James 5:1-6 (11/10/2024)

Notes Handout

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Ryan Swale, pastor of Immanuel URC in Jordan, Ontario, to discuss his dissertation, The Imprecatory Pastor: A Practical Theology of the Imprecatory […]

Psalm 109 (CSB)Andrew and Edwin discuss how Jesus fits in this psalm. He must. After all, even Peter found him in it in Acts 1.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=18566The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 109 (The Message)Andrew and Edwin discover that imprecations are only valid when we can truly say the point is for God's glory, not our revenge.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=18529The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 109 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin recognize David's prayer is asking God to follow the Law He had given Israel about false witnesses and false accusers.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2024/09/10/psalm-109-accusers/The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 109 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin consider how David's "imprecatory" psalm is asking God to keep His promise to curse those who curse God's people.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=18501The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

What is imprecatory prayer? What are the imprecatory psalms? Why does the Bible record people praying for absolutely terrible things to happen to their enemies?

How can we make sense of passages in the Bible talking about mercy and others where the writers are crying out for judgement on their enemies? Today, Emma Dotter dives into Psalm 83, an imprecatory psalm, to answer this question. The God of the Old Testament truly is the God of the New Testament. All of us in our sin were enemies of God before Christ's sacrifice for us and our salvation. On the cross Jesus incurred the wrath of God, and in so doing he provided mercy and forgiveness for those who would believe. On the cross, judgement and salvation happen at the same time. God is glorified both when he defeats those who oppose him and when he saves those who oppose him.   Additional Scriptures Referenced: Examples of Imprecatory psalms – Psalm 5, 10, 17, 35, 58 Judges 7-8 – God destroys the Midianites with Gideon's small band of soldiers Judges 4 – God defeats the Canaanites through Deborah and Barak Genesis 12:15-17 – Abrahamic covenant Romans 3:25; Exodus 25:17; Exodus 36 – propitiation 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10 – Jesus as our propitiation  If you're interested in serving on the Join The Journey Social Media or Hospitality Team, check out this link: https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=Join%20the%20journey  Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g   Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM   You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

Christians read the Psalms and find statements that seem to conflict with the open-hearted, mercy-oriented, forgiveness-driven Gospel we preach from our pulpits. But the "imprecatory Psalms" are as valid now as they were when they were sung in Old Testament worship. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

A look at how I classified Psalm 83 as the wrong type of Psalm

Jon and Kevin discuss if Christians should pray imprecatory prayers in today's age or not.

Imprecatory psalms. Betcha can't say that 5 times fast. Just how should Christians handle these passages that call down judgment on our enemies? Let's learn from King David how to be 'properly' offended and what it means for us today. We are taking a one-week break for Jimmy to work on his tan but will return the first week of June.We couldn't answer every question about this passage but we certainly hope we helped! Want to ask more questions? Email question@clearlypodcast.com.Additional resources:Our sponsor: BetterMan.com“Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy” by Mark Vroegop is a great resource for those grieving and going through seasons of suffering.Want to learn more about how the Bible should bother you? You're in luck! We've got an episode about that right here.If you found this episode particularly interesting, you'll probably also be intrigued by The Road to Child Sacrifice is Paved With Good IntentionsJoin our Patreon team & be part of our live audience Sign up for our free newsletter.

The Line of Fire Radio Broadcast for 04/30/24.

Psalm 5 is the first example of an imprecatory Psalm, where David prays that God would deal with his enemies: "Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You" (v10). The challenge we face is how we can harmonise this with Jesus' teaching that we should love, bless and show mercy to our enemies (Luke 6:27-36)? It helps to understand the difference between temporal judgments in this life and a man's final eternal judgment which happens immediately after death, when his eternal destiny is forever sealed. It is surely against the teaching of Jesus for us to desire and pray that anyone would die and go to Hell. It is probable that the imprecatory verses were the basis for the teaching of the Pharisees: "You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy" (Matthew 5:43). But Jesus rejected this interpretation saying: "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (v44). Thus these imprecatory verses must be interpreted in this light - as expressions of love, not hate for our enemies. In Psalm 5:4-6, God reveals to David that the wicked are under God's wrath and if they will not repent, they will be condemned and cast out of God's Presence forever. One way to read v10, allowed for by the Hebrew, is as a prophetic declaration affirming this final judgment, in agreement with His revelation in v4-6: "You will pronounce them guilty, O God! They will fall by their own counsels; you will cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You." In this way of reading it, the Psalmist is also adding His agreement with God's holy justice in executing Him final judgment on them, at the time of His choosing. God's declaration of eternal judgment is His warning to sinners that they must repent before it is too late. However, there seems to be more going on here than a declaration and all the translations interpret v10 also as a prayer, in which case, the interpretation that best fits with the rest of Scripture is that it is a prayer for God to intervene in their life (in a temporal judgment), in such a way as to lead them to repentance, so that they do not face the horror of eternal condemnation and punishment. This is confirmed by the phrase: "Let them fall by their own counsels", which points to their evil plans in this life coming to nothing and even rebounding on them, for if they prosper in their evil-doing, they are less likely to repent. In other words, a loving prayer for the wicked is: "Lord, do whatever it takes in their life to bring them to repentance. Don't let them prosper in their evil-ways, but bring them to the end of themselves, so that they realise that they need to repent and turn to you in faith and so be blessed, rather than going to Hell." David's basis for praying v10 is: "for they have rebelled against You", which shows that he is not praying out of personal malice, but rather a concern for God's glory and a realisation that their rebellious state makes them candidates for eternal condemnation. In Psalm 5:9, David again describes the wicked nature of his enemies, including the phrase: "Their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue" which Paul quotes in Romans 3:13, in his general description of the sinfulness of all mankind (v9-20), where he establishes that all mankind is sinful and guilty before God and so heading for eternal condemnation. But God offers His saving mercies to those who will turn to Him, trust in Him and submit to Him (Psalm 5:2,7), and so David completes the Psalm by describing the blessedness of those who put their trust in God. They rejoice because they are under God's covering (atonement): "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend (cover) them" (v11). They are protected from God's wrath and from their enemies. As well as trusting God, having received His love, they also love Him: "Let those also who love Your Name (revealed nature) be joyful in You" (v12a). They have been forgiven and made righteous by faith, and so are under God's blessing, grace and favour which covers them like a large shield: "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield" (v12b).

Psalm 58 Psalm 58 is another Trouble and Trust Psalm within the series of 8 complaint Psalms from 52-59. Psalm 58 has some of the most difficult Hebrew to understand in the Psalter, both in how specific words should be translated and the understanding of certain phrases. Vivid description of what the wicked are like V. 1-5 The first hard to translate word is in verse 1, translated by the New King James as “silent ones.” It is the Hebrew word elem, and is only found here! In cases like this, we have to be humble as to the meaning of the word, and make sure we make much of how the words around it and the context help us understand what is meant. Instead of living by God's truth about what is right, the wicked people David is referring to think that they are right because they have gotten away with what they have done, and nobody has stopped them. They embraced pragmatism, “the end justifies the means” and did not reallt believe God would hold them to account one day. Psalm 58 has elements of chiastic structure in it. Chiastic structure has parallel words and/or thoughts at the beginning and end, and the verses unfold with parallel thoughts with a middle thought. Notice the progression of wickedness in verse 2 – first wicked plots are made in the head, and then carried out with the hands. According to verse 2, the sinful actions people think are okay because they get away with them are actually wickedness in God's eyes! We need to judge things using His standard of right and wrong, the Holy Bible – First for ourselves, and then as we call the wicked to repentance. Verse 3 goes right along with what David taught in Psalm 51:5 – we all have a sin nature that leads to sin choices early in life. Instead of turning to God, the perpetually wicked keep living in sin. Imprecatory prayer for the destruction of the wicked V. 6-11 A toothless snake or lion can still lash out and try to bite you, but can't do you lasting damage. So David prays that God will de-fang the wicked, make them only able to ‘gum' at the saints instead of devour them! Notice David is turning vengeance over to the Lord, and not taking action himself. The Lord may lead us to fight in a just cause and defend ourselves and others, but Old Testament saints weren't just looking to take matters into their own hands. Interestingly, teeth are featured in almost all the Psalms in the Psalm 52-59 series – 52:2; 53:4; 55:21; 56:1-2; 57:4; 58:6; 59:7,12. What do you think he has in mind by the figures of speech in verse 7? What do you think he has in mind by the figures of speech in verse 7? What do you think he has in mind by the figures of speech in verse 7? Taken together, David is obviously praying for the wicked's plans to be frustrated, his resources wasted, his instruments of harm to be rendered ineffectual, his movements to be stopped in their tracks, and for their judgment to come. Verse 10 reminds us of the difference between the spiritual dispensation we are now living in compared to the age of Old Testament Israel. Israel had physical enemies that would do them harm, and it was a good thing when God gave His people victory over them, and the blood on their feet was the enemy's blood, not their own. During this age of grace, Christians pray for their enemies to find the same salvation in Christ that they have. This is also a good place to say that Baptists have always been right to reject the idea of the state and church being tied together in supposedly “Christian” countries. Christians may serve their country to stop the Adolph Hitler's of the world, and rejoice when they stop him. But we are leaving the physical defense of Christ's honor to Christ Himself for when He returns to earth, and as Revelation 20 tells us, the blood of His enemies will again flow.

The Line of Fire Radio Broadcast for 10/24/23.