Imprecations in the Psalms

The gap between the New Testament and the Imprecatory Psalms is less than we think. When faced with prayers against enemies in the Psalms, we are too quick to assume that these Old Testament authors were ignorant of some basic New Testament ethics. They are self-righteous, thinking they have earned God's favor. They don't know that the wicked can repent and be forgiven. They believe in vengeance and hating their enemies. We assume wrongly. These prayers are far more aware than many modern churchgoers of how deeply our own sin runs, so that even when persecuted, we are not automatically entitled to divine help. Even when we are truly entitled to justice against unrighteous attackers, if God rescues us, that is unmerited grace. Further, the psalms are fully aware that their enemies can repent, and they show mercy to them. The Book of Psalms teaches its readers--individuals and the whole people of God--to desire the repentance, forgiveness, and divine blessing of all nations, even the people's most vicious enemies.

Author: Steffen G. Jenkins
Publisher: Pickwick Publications
Published: 02/04/2022
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.04lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.74d
ISBN13: 9781725292390
ISBN10: 1725292394
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Biblical Studies | Old Testament | Poetry & Wisdom Literatur
- Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation | Old Testament
- Religion | Ethics

About the Author
Steffen G. Jenkins is lecturer in biblical studies at Union School of Theology, prior to which he has served as a seminary lecturer in Cuba, a minister in England, and Tutor for biblical languages at Tyndale House, Cambridge.