Psalm 139 is one of the most famous psalms. In it we learn about God’s care for us. He enters into relationship with us from the womb. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (verse 14).

But the tone changes at verse 19: “Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!” For four verses, the author (David) talks about his enemies. He hates the God-haters!

Let’s be honest. When Psalm 139 is read at funerals, weddings or special events, this is the section that gets left out! It makes a lot of people uncomfortable.

But consider this. God is a God of justice and fairness. If he didn’t punish wickedness, sin and evil then he wouldn’t be just or fair. When David asks God to exercise his justice, it’s most likely because he wants to be relieved of the feeling that he himself has to be the one to do it! 

As God’s people, we can focus on peace because we know that, in the end, God will punish evil. Vengeance is God’s job, not ours. Miroslav Volf argues that it is actually not believing in a God of vengeance that “secretly nourishes violence.”* After all, if someone doesn’t think God is real or that he will punish those who do evil, then they are perhaps more likely going to think that it is up to humans to settle the score.

When you see evil in the world does it upset you to the point where you feel tempted to take matters into your own hands? If so, remember that evil people will not get away with their schemes in the end. “’It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

This frees us to be people of peace.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (verses 23-24).

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Notes:

–This Sunday at Westminster (July 23, 2023) I share the first of two messages on the most famous proverbs.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on July 24, 2024. 

–*As quoted in: Tim Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (New York: Riverhead Books, 2008), 77.

–“Known Intimately by God.” Here’s a podcast Bible study I put together on Psalm 139. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.