How does Psalm 79:5 relate to God's justice in Romans 1:18? The cry of Psalm 79:5 • “For how long, LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?” • Context: Jerusalem lies in ruins (vv. 1-4). The psalmist pleads for relief from divine anger after covenant infidelity. • Key words: “angry” (ʾap) and “jealousy” (qinʾah) signal God’s righteous passion for His name and people. The revelation of wrath in Romans 1:18 • “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” • Paul presents God’s anger not as temporary irritation but as an ongoing, unveiled reality in response to global rebellion. • Scope: all humanity, not just Israel (cf. Romans 3:9-18). Shared foundation: God’s holy jealousy • Both texts root divine wrath in God’s holiness and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). • Psalm 79:5 highlights the emotional intensity—jealous love spurned. • Romans 1:18 explains the ethical basis—truth suppressed, Creator dishonored (vv. 19-25). • Result: God acts justly; wrath is neither capricious nor unjust (Genesis 18:25). Continuity of justice from Old to New • Psalm 79 looks forward—“How long?” implies hope for mercy (v. 9). • Romans 1 looks backward—wrath is already “revealed,” yet points ahead to final judgment (Romans 2:5-6). • Together they show a consistent pattern: – Sin provokes righteous anger. – Wrath serves to uphold God’s glory. – Mercy is offered through repentance (Psalm 79:8-9; Romans 3:21-26). Implications for believers today • Take sin seriously; divine wrath is real and justified. • Marvel at God’s patience—Psalm 79’s plea is answered ultimately at the cross where wrath and mercy meet (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Live gratefully, proclaiming the gospel that delivers from “the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). |
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