October 5 / Psalm 109:1-20

Psalm 109:1-20

I wonder if David had a particular person in mind in today’s Psalm, for whom he has nothing good to say. He goes back and forth between “he” and “they”. However, strangely, as he is attacking this person (or these people), most of today’s verses have to do with the evil that David wishes to be put upon them. But what have they actually done? Only three things: …speaking against me with lying tongues… (v. 2); he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death… (v. 16); and he loved to curse [and] did not delight in blessing…(v. 17). Now granted, putting people to death (v. 16) is evil, but what struck me most in today’s reading was the vengeance that David wished upon his enemies.

Looking ahead to the New Testament we see Jesus with a different perspective: But I say to you, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) We can’t have it both ways. Although “love” may be too much for us, let’s try to pray for our enemies – or for those for whom we harbor bad will. That would be a good beginning.