AUG 25

Psalm 139:19-24
Memorise Psalm 139:21
“Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee?”

When you read today’s passage, it may seem that David (the author of this Psalm) is a very angry man. He spoke of hating, and counting those wicked men as his enemies, and wanting them to be killed! Surely, this is breaking the 6th commandment, isn’t it?

Remember that when Jesus explained the commandment on killing, it was against those who were “angry with his brother without a cause” (Matt 5:22). So we ask, can anger ever be justified? We see clearly from this passage, that it is only when it is righteous, godly anger, whereby our anger is directed at God’s enemies, when His glory is at stake, and His name is taken in vain. Basically it is being angry at the things that God would be angry at; it is anger and hatred directed towards sin, and the ones who commit the sin.

David, the man after God’s own heart, was so in tune with God’s will and desires, that he felt so strongly against those who spoke wickedly against God. He had such a love and desire for God that he was quick to stand up to defend His name. This should be the reaction of any believer who loves the Lord. When you see people insulting God, or when you see His glory at stake, you should rise up in righteous anger, and do your part to defend His name. Sadly, our reaction is often the opposite. We are so quick to rise up to defend our name, and get so angry when we are insulted, slightly inconvenienced or offended in minor ways. We must realize that when our own name is insulted, it doesn’t matter, and we should forgive. However, when God’s enemies attack Him, we ought to feel anger and grief, even to the point of hatred, and count God’s enemies as our enemies.

However, be careful that in such bursts of righteous anger, we be not tempted to sin, to take it personally, or to begin hurling unjustified insults, or to react excessively and sin in our hearts. That is why David closed the Psalm with a prayer asking that God would search his heart and know his thoughts, to ensure that even as he prays for judgment upon God’s enemies, his own heart remains pure before God. This is the godly reaction of a man who loves God, and is an example worthy of our emulation.

Thought: Do I love God enough to hate those who offend Him?
Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.