What does Psalm 71:13 teach about God's justice against the wicked? Verse at a Glance • Psalm 71:13a: “May the accusers of my soul be disgraced and consumed;” • Psalm 71:13b: “may those who seek my harm be covered with scorn and reproach.” Setting in the Psalm • A seasoned believer cries out for rescue (vv. 1–12). • He trusts God’s past faithfulness and appeals to divine righteousness (v. 2). • Verse 13 is an imprecatory plea—asking God to act decisively against unrepentant enemies. Key Words Highlight God’s Justice • Disgraced – public shame exposes evil as evil. • Consumed – complete, final removal; no partial judgment. • Covered with scorn and reproach – God turns the contempt the wicked heap on others back on them. What We Learn about God’s Justice • Justice is personal: God defends “my soul,” not an abstract cause. • Justice is comprehensive: disgrace, destruction, and dishonor leave nothing unresolved. • Justice is proportional: enemies sought harm; God answers with a fitting, righteous penalty. • Justice is certain: the verbs express confident expectation, not wishful thinking. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Psalm 1:6 – “the way of the wicked will perish.” • Psalm 37:13 – “the Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” • Proverbs 11:21 – “Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished.” • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 – “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.” • Revelation 20:15 – “Anyone not found in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Living in Light of This Truth • Take courage: God sees every injustice done to His people and will address it fully. • Reject vengeance: leave room for the Lord’s perfect, measured response (Romans 12:19). • Stand firm: knowing ultimate justice frees believers to endure present hostility with hope. |
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