Ask Ligonier How Should Christians View the Imprecatory Psalms?
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Oct 6, 2022 
In this discussion, W. Robert Godfrey, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries, dives deep into the enigmatic imprecatory psalms. He offers insights on how these intense prayers for judgment can be understood within the New Covenant. Godfrey emphasizes the balance between divine justice and love, encouraging listeners to interpret these texts with context in mind. He also highlights the dual nature of these psalms, addressing both judgment and the hope for repentance in adversaries, making a case for their relevance in modern Christian life.
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Psalms' Role in Christian Life
- The Psalms remain essential for Christians and their spiritual life, as shown by the New Testament usage and apostles' example.
- The imprecatory Psalms pray for God's enemies, not our personal enemies, aligning with divine justice and not personal vengeance.
Imprecations within Christian Prayer
- Loving enemies does not negate God's judgment but means justice must still be maintained.
- Even prayers like "Come Lord Jesus" imply judgment on the wicked, showing imprecatory elements remain implicit in Christian prayers.
Purpose of Imprecatory Prayers
- Imprecatory prayers target covenant enemies who betray God and his people, praying for their removal from the community.
- These prayers also include pleas for their repentance, with curses only for those who refuse to repent.