Psalm 140

Reading for September 18, 2012          Psalm 140

Psalm 140, and others similar to it, can offend our sensibilities. There is so much violence, and the psalmist seems to be seeking retribution, which we have been taught is not in our purview, but the Lord’s. As we consider current events in the Middle East, it seems little has changed since the time of the psalmist. The people seem to first turn to violence and revenge as the means of settling their differences. When we read this psalm within the context of the prevailing culture at the time of its writing, it may not seem so offensive. Actually, we may find some redeeming qualities within the psalm.

We will also do well to realize that within our own culture, there is as much intrigue, corruption, dishonesty and almost zero tolerance for those who may have a different opinion. Just because we may not be as quick to turn to violence against our neighbor, it does not mean we can dismiss the relevance of Jesus telling us to not worry about a speck in our neighbor’s eye, when we have a log in our own eye. (Matthew 7:3)

Two aspects of this psalm will always be helpful to us. First, the psalmist is petitioning God to be his defender; he is not taking matters into his own hands. Secondly, Jesus teaches us the Godly principle that the standard we use in judging is the standard by which we will be judged. (Matthew 7:2) We see this principle played out in the book of Esther, when Haman’s demise is carried out by the means he had planned for Mordecai. The psalmist is asking God to allow his adversaries to be caught in their own dishonesty and corrupt lives.

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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Reading for September 19, 2012          Psalm 141