POC Blog

The random technotheolosophical blogging of Reid S. Monaghan

Psalm 21:8-13 - Fear and Rejoice! Evil Shall Be Vanquished

What then of Evil? So many questions throughout time have been asked...why? If God, then what is this? In Psalm 21:8-13 we see a glimpse of the true relationship of God to evil. Sometimes we can think that we care more about the evil and pain caused by human beings than God...yet the heart of God cares more deeply, the hand of God will yet act more completely. For all such evil is a direct affront againstHim, the author of goodness, and the one against whom people rebel. Look at what this Psalm teaches us.
  • The Hand of God will find out his enemies (Here "find out" was a word that was used to describe the attack of an enemy with a weapon - not simply seizing him as the NIV translates)
  • He will make his enemies as a "fiery furnace" - describing large ovens in the ancient world used for metal working - they consume everything. Enemies of God -- who oppress, who work wickedness -- shall be consumed...
  • The success of those who plot and plan against the Lord (verse 11) - will be a great failure.

The devised schemes of evil - moral evil from the devices and schemes of people - shall find a strong dead end at the strong hand of God.

Knowing this...what does it provoke in the one who desires to trust God, and not oppose him. To love him, not despise him...in such souls, the call outward is this:

13 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.

Yes, the evil is about us, and in us...yet there is one whose fierce discontent with it is greater than mine. Run to him for forgiveness and refuge, call to him for peace and resolution, trust him to handle those who oppose him, while you LOVE THEM in his Son's name.

His advice to us is as clear as his right to pour out wrath on evil:

8 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Out...
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