Connect Psalm 149:9 with Romans 12:19 on God's role in vengeance. Text of the Two Passages • Psalm 149:9: “to execute on them the judgment written. This honor is for all His godly ones. Hallelujah!” • Romans 12:19: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” The Unchanging Principle: Vengeance Belongs to the Lord • Deuteronomy 32:35 first sets the pattern: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” • God’s holy character guarantees perfect justice (Nahum 1:2; Hebrews 10:30). • Scripture never gives individuals the right to pursue personal retaliation. How Psalm 149:9 Portrays the Saints’ Role • Context: a corporate, worship-filled psalm describing Israel praising God (vv. 1-5) and wielding “two-edged swords” at His command (vv. 6-9). • “Execute … the judgment written” points to already-revealed, covenantal penalties (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). • The “honor” belongs to saints only because God delegates it; they act as instruments, not originators, of vengeance. • Prophetic glimpse: ultimately fulfilled when Christ returns and the redeemed reign with Him in judgment (1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 19:14-15). How Romans 12:19 Guides Individual Believers Today • Addressed to believers living under hostile powers, not a theocratic nation. • Commands: – “Do not avenge yourselves” — refuse personal payback. – “Leave room for God’s wrath” — trust His timetable and methods. • Practical outworking continues in Romans 12:20-21: overcome evil with good. • God still uses earthly authorities to restrain wrong (Romans 13:4), but private revenge is excluded. Harmonizing the Two Passages • Same foundation: God alone owns vengeance; any execution of it must come from Him. • Different settings: – Psalm 149: national, theocratic, and (ultimately) eschatological participation under direct divine order. – Romans 12: personal, day-to-day discipleship under a pluralistic civil order. • Future fulfillment: saints will share in Christ’s righteous judgments (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 20:4), perfectly aligning with Psalm 149:9. • Present call: patience, trust, and love toward enemies, letting God settle accounts. Living Out the Truth • Refuse to nurse grudges or plot retaliation; God’s ledger is flawless. • Pray for governing authorities who bear the “sword” now (Romans 13:1-4), acknowledging God’s present means of justice. • Anticipate Christ’s return, when every wrong is rectified and His people share in His righteous rule (Revelation 22:12). |
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