How does Psalm 137:7 encourage us to remember God's justice in adversity? Setting the Scene Psalm 137:7 — “Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. ‘Tear it down,’ they cried, ‘tear it down to its foundations!’” God’s Justice Highlighted in a Single Verse • The psalmist appeals to the Lord to “remember,” not because God forgets, but because His remembrance is the sure prelude to righteous action (Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24). • By naming Edom’s cruelty, the verse anchors justice in real history; God’s judgments are not abstract but address specific acts of evil (Obadiah 10–15). • The cry shows confidence that God—not Israel—will deal with the wrong: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). Encouragement for Our Adversity • God sees everything. When hostile voices shout “tear it down,” the Lord records every word (Malachi 3:16). • God will act at the right time. Justice delayed is never justice denied in His economy (2 Peter 3:9). • God invites us to bring our hurt to Him. Lament is a form of faith, handing the case over to His perfect court (Psalm 62:8). What Remembering Does for Us • Guards us from bitterness—trusting God’s courtroom frees us from planning payback (Ephesians 4:31). • Keeps hope alive—if He dealt with Edom, He will handle modern oppressors (Nahum 1:2–3). • Shapes our prayers—intercession aligns with His justice rather than personal vendetta (Matthew 6:10). Living This Out Today 1. Read biblical examples of God’s timely judgment (e.g., Pharaoh in Exodus 14; Haman in Esther 7). 2. List personal injustices and intentionally “remember” them before the Lord, releasing them to His hands. 3. Speak truth to your own heart with promises of divine justice (Psalm 9:7–10; Revelation 6:10–11). 4. Respond to enemies with integrity, trusting God to balance the scales (1 Peter 3:9). Christ: The Assurance of Final Justice • The cross shows sin fully punished and mercy fully offered (Isaiah 53:5–6). • The risen Christ “has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42). • Because He will judge, we can endure adversity with confidence and peace (2 Thessalonians 1:6–7). |
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