Let the bountiful table set before them become a snare and their prosperity become a trap. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and make their bodies shake continually. Pour out your fury on them; consume them with your burning anger.Let their homes become desolate and their tents be deserted. To the one you have punished, they add insult to injury; they add to the pain of those you have hurt. Pile their sins up high, and don't let them go free. Erase their names from the Book of Life; don't let them be counted among the righteous. I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. Psalm 69: 22-29 NLT
Okay. Seems like the psalmist has had enough. Is this just anger speaking?
The first verse reminds me of the twenty-third psalm – a table is prepared in the presence of our enemies. But here, instead of feasting in front of the enemies, it is the enemies who have the table of food that becomes a trap for them. This is really where the tables are turned!
But why asking for them to go blind, to have tremors, to be consumed with God's anger, to have their homes become desolate? These enemies have added their own contempt to God's judgment. The psalmist wants to God to pile up their own sins and throw them in the dungeon. In fact, he wants their names erased from the book of life.
These petitions are spoken from one who is in a great deal of pain. Pain and suffering can create a great deal of anger, especially toward the ones who increase, or are the cause of, the suffering.
If you have ever been in a time of great pain and suffering, perhaps you can relate.
God, rescue me by your saving power. Keep me from suffering that would cause me to ask for others to be punished or make angry demands upon you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims
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