Sermon: Psalm Genres (Part Two): Imprecatory Psalms
Cursing One's Enemies
#1849
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Given 06-Dec-25; 77 minutes
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Psalms of Imprecation consists of moments where oppressed believers call on Almighty God to judge their enemies. Imprecation means " a spoken curse," not as personal vengeance, but as a prayer asking God to act against evil. Scripture shows us that curses can be righteous when they align with God's justice, such as Joshua's curse on rebuilding Jericho or Jesus cursing the barren fig tree. Imprecatory elements appear through psalms of lamentation: Psalms5, 35, 69. 83. 109, and 137) usually arising from extreme injustice, brutality, or persecution. These prayers are not vindictive outbursts but appeals for Almighty God to uphold His covenant promises, defend His people, punish unrepentant evil, and restore moral balance. Frequently the psalmist stresses his own repentance or faithfulness, placing all judgment into God's hands rather than seeking revenge. The harsh language reflects deep outrage at grievous wrongdoing, often using hyperbole to express how severely God's people were suffering. In some cases, the goal is clearly redemptive. For example, Psalm 83 asks God to humble the wicked so they might seek His name. Ultimately, while God's chosen saints are commanded by Jesus to love their enemies, imprecatory psalms still serve a purpose, giving voice to raw human anguish, helping us to process anger before God rather than acting on it, reaffirming that divine justice will prevail, teaching us to wait for God's righteous timing.