How can we reconcile Psalm 139:19 with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies? Listening to David’s Cry in Psalm 139:19 “If only You would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!” (Psalm 139:19) What David Is Really Saying • David appeals to God, not to his own sword. • He acknowledges God’s right to judge evil. • The verb “slay” expresses a desire for God’s justice, not personal revenge. • The “bloodthirsty men” threaten God’s covenant people and God’s honor. The Unchanging Principle: God Judges Wickedness • Genesis 18:25 – “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” • Nahum 1:2 – “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God.” • Revelation 6:10 – martyrs cry, “How long, O Lord… until You judge?” Scripture consistently affirms that divine love and divine justice coexist. How Jesus Deepens the Discussion “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Key observations: • Jesus addresses personal conduct, not the suspension of divine justice. • Loving an enemy does not mean approving evil; it means desiring that person’s ultimate good—repentance and salvation (2 Peter 3:9). • Jesus Himself will execute final judgment (John 5:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Reconciling the Two Passages 1. Same God, different vantage points – David looks ahead to a promised judgment. – Jesus calls believers to reflect God’s patient mercy now. 2. Justice stays in God’s hands – Romans 12:19: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” – We love enemies while trusting God to settle accounts. 3. Prayer has two directions – Pray for God’s justice to prevail. – Pray for enemies to repent before that justice falls. 4. The cross joins love and wrath – At Calvary, God poured out wrath on sin and extended love to sinners (Romans 5:8-10). – Those who refuse the cross remain under judgment (John 3:36). Practical Takeaways for Today • Reject personal revenge; leave room for God’s righteous action. • Speak truth about evil without hatred in the heart. • Actively seek the conversion of opponents through gospel witness. • Find comfort: every injustice will be answered—either at the cross or at the final throne. Holding Both Truths Together Love your enemy; hate the evil that destroys him. Call for God’s mercy today; trust His justice tomorrow. |
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