Saturday 2nd December
“If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.” (Psalm 139:19-22) (NIVUK)
These verses seem out of place in this meditative psalm which up to this point has been full of lofty descriptions and grand ideals. Repeatedly we are reminded that our God knows us utterly, inconceivable as that may seem!
But here David is suddenly struck by the sharp contrast between the wonders of knowing and being known by God, and the harsh realities of life on this earth. David had to contend with wars and internal factions, striving for peace and security for his people throughout his reign – “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” (Psalm 122:6-7)(NIVUK).
Described in these verses are those who were evil of heart, rebellious, murderers, who show their hatred for God in their words and their actions. Yet, these evil doers were also a part of God’s wonderous creation. They were skillfully crafted, and fearfully and wonderfully made. They were, like David, completely known by him, but chose to rebel and turn away from their Creator, discrediting and distorting his character. David is abhorred by their deeds, (heightened by his acute awareness of the awesomeness of God) and calls on him to cleanse the world of these evil doers, and utterly destroy them. David takes his stand on God’s side opposing the wickedness and rebellion of the ungodly – ‘Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord’ (v.21).
David’s declaration echoes Joshua’s challenge to Israel in Joshua 24:14-15
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the River Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. ….. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (NIVUK)
Karen Barklay
