Through the Psalms 2024 070: An Introduction to Imprecatory Psalms (Through the Psalms)
May 24, 2025
A study of Psalm 69 and the challenging imprecatory passages it contains. A survey of other curses in Psalms and biblical books that use imprecatory language. A discussion of tensions between calls for mercy and prayers for divine judgment. An appeal to approach difficult Scripture with humility while affirming God’s justice and zeal against cultural falsehoods.
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Psalm 69 Frames Imprecatory Prayer
- David's Psalm 69 repeatedly prays for severe judgment on enemies, framing imprecatory psalms as direct appeals for God's wrath.
- Don Green highlights verses 22–28 where David asks God to blot enemies from the book of life as a primary example.
Imprecations Recur Across the Psalms
- Imprecatory language appears across Psalms, e.g., Psalm 5:10 and Psalm 109's curses against enemies and their descendants.
- Don Green uses Psalm 109's explicit imprecations to show the intensity of these prayers.
What An Imprecation Means
- An imprecation is a prayer invoking God's curse on an enemy; Psalms use this to seek overthrow of the wicked.
- Green stresses these prayers raise ethical tension with New Testament teachings like Matthew 5.
