The Imprecatory Psalms concern calling down judgment upon the enemies of God. Examples of such Psalms include Psalms 7, 35, 40, 52, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137 and 140. They are prayers calling for the overthrow and defeat of those who oppose God. At first glance, it may seem like a contrast to the spirit of forgiveness we find in the New Testament. But even in the Old Testament, God’s grace and mercy always precede judgment. His love is seen in His repeated warnings to Israel and all other nations. These Psalms may need some explanation, but they need no apology. Such Psalms do not express a desire for personal revenge, but are more of a defense of God’s honor. The writers of such Psalms even call down curses upon themselves if they violate God’s laws (Psalm 7:3-6). The Psalmist pleads that God’s character may be misunderstood if He does not execute swift justice upon sinners. It is not unusual for nations to pray for victory over a foe. In Deuteronomy 30, for example, God promises to curse those who curse His people. Jesus does teach us to bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44), but the Imprecatory Psalms need no embarrass the Christian, for they plea for justice, not vindictiveness. Our God will always vindicate His children (Luke 18:1-8).
1. In Genesis 4:10-11, who is cursed and why?
______________________________________________________________________
2. In Genesis 3:14,who is cursed by God and why?
___________________________________________________________________
3. A person will be cursed by God for doing what in Deuteronomy27:15?
_____________________________________________________________________
4. A person will be cursed for doing what in Deuteronomy 27:21?
___________________________________________________________________
5. According to Psalm 7:11, who is God angry with every day?
___________________________________________________________________
6. What does the Psalmist want to see happen concerning a “net” in Psalm 35:8?
____________________________________________________________________________
7. The Psalmist wants to see “confounded and put to shame” those who seek to do what? (40:13-14)
____________________________________________________________________________
8. In Psalm 52:1-7, what will happen (v. 5) to the deceitful person?
_________________________________________________________________________
9. Read Psalm 35:23-26. Now read verse 27. What, as an end-result of all this, does the Psalmist want to hear God’s enemies say?
_______________________________________________________________________
10. In Psalm 55:12-14, who did what to the Psalmist?
_________________________________________________________________________
11. According to Psalm 55:15, what does the Psalmist ask God for?
__________________________________________________________________________
12. Read Luke 18:1-8. Who will avenge God’s children?
_______________________________________________________________________
13. Read Psalm 109:20-21, whose reputation is the Psalmist most concerned about? (Also read Psalm 79:12)
___________________________________________________________________
14. According to Revelation 19:2, who is judged?
_______________________________________________________________________
15. According to Revelation 19:3-4, how do God’s servants respond to this?
_____________________________________________________________________
16. In Psalm 55:16, what does the Psalmist ask God to do?
__________________________________________________________________
17. Read Psalm 58:3-5. What does the Psalmist ask God to do in verse 6?
_______________________________________________________________________
18. In Psalm 79:10, what does the Psalmist ask God to do that will manifest the power of God?
_________________________________________________________________________
19. In Psalm 5:10, who does the Psalmist wish to see destroyed and why?
________________________________________________________________________
20.According to Psalm 140:8, why does the Psalmist not want God to grant the desires of the wicked?
_______________________________________________________________________
21. According to Psalm58:10, what will the Righteous ones wash their feet in?
______________________________________________________________________
22. As a result of this (Psalm 58:11) what does the Psalmist want mankind to say?
_______________________________________________________________________
23. Read 59:1-4. Is the Psalmist guilty? ________. Does the Psalmist ask for mercy for his accusers? (59:5)
_____________________________________________________________________________
24. According to Psalm 69: 7 and 20, why has the Psalmist endured personal injustices?
_____________________________________________________________________________
25. When God judges sinners (Psalm 59:13) what message does it send to the world?
__________________________________________________________________________