Topical Encyclopedia The term "imprecatory" is derived from the Latin word "imprecari," meaning "to invoke evil upon" or "to curse." In the context of the Bible, imprecatory refers to certain psalms and prayers that call upon God to bring judgment, calamity, or curses upon one's enemies or the enemies of God. These are known as imprecatory psalms and are a distinctive feature of the Hebrew Psalter.Imprecatory Psalms The imprecatory psalms are a subset of the Psalms in the Old Testament, where the psalmist calls for divine vengeance against adversaries. Notable examples include Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 79, 83, 109, 137, and 140. These psalms express a deep yearning for justice and the vindication of God's righteousness. For instance, Psalm 69:24-25 states, "Pour out Your wrath upon them, and let Your burning anger overtake them. May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents." Similarly, Psalm 109:8 declares, "May his days be few; may another take his position." Theological Context Imprecatory psalms reflect the tension between the holiness of God and the presence of evil in the world. They are rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the psalmist appeals to God's justice and faithfulness to protect His people and uphold His law. These prayers are not personal vendettas but are seen as aligning with God's righteous judgment against wickedness. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize love, forgiveness, and prayer for one's enemies. Jesus taught, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This has led to discussions on how Christians should interpret and apply the imprecatory psalms today. While the New Testament encourages believers to leave vengeance to God, as seen in 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,'" it does not negate the reality of divine justice. The imprecatory psalms remind believers of God's ultimate authority and justice, even as they are called to live out the principles of love and forgiveness. Historical and Literary Considerations The imprecatory psalms are part of the larger genre of lament literature, which includes expressions of sorrow, complaint, and petition. They are often structured with an invocation, a complaint, a petition for divine intervention, and a vow of praise. These psalms reflect the raw and honest emotions of the psalmists, who turn to God in times of distress and injustice. Application for Believers For contemporary believers, the imprecatory psalms can serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's judgment. They encourage believers to trust in God's justice and to bring their deepest concerns and struggles before Him. While the call to love and forgive remains paramount, the imprecatory psalms affirm that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately vindicate His people and establish His kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Of the imprecatory psalms.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PSALMS, IMPRECATORYim'-pre-ka-to-ri, im-pre-ka'-ter-i. Library The Love which Withers. The History of the Psalter Because the Partial-Rapture Theory Introduces a Situation that is ... Love in the Old Covenant. Psalms The Deceitful Arts and Nefarious Practices of Marcus. It Will be Attempted to Give a Complete List of his Writings In Thesaurus Imprecatory... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Of the imprecatory psalms. Int. ... PSALMS, IMPRECATORY. im'-pre-ka-to-ri, im-pre-ka'-ter-i. See PSALMS, VI, 7. ... /i/imprecatory.htm - 6k Impregnable (1 Occurrence) Imprecation (2 Occurrences) Cruelty (8 Occurrences) Cruel (196 Occurrences) Forgiveness (124 Occurrences) Magician (5 Occurrences) Magic (12 Occurrences) Psalms (44 Occurrences) Resources What are the imprecatory psalms? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is imprecatory prayer? | GotQuestions.org What does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org Imprecatory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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