“When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have finished betraying, they will betray you.” – Isaiah 33:1b 

Scripture reading: Psalm 58

What are we to do with Old Testament verses and passages like this one, as Christians today? How are we to sing Psalm 58, when Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”? (Matthew 5:44). Isaiah is speaking the Word of God and that Word is a prophetic Word of punishment against God’s enemy. We should be comforted by hope and we may take it up in prayer.

We may only pray for God’s punishment on the enemies He has denounced. We may pray for God’s punishment on all those powers and authorities that oppose Him and on all that unrighteously oppose Christ’s church.

We may not pray for God’s punishment on our private enemies for private revenge. You cannot call down God’s judgment on someone who has sinned against you, or someone with whom you have a personal conflict.

We may pray for God’s punishment on His enemies so long as they remain His enemies. We should also pray for their regeneration and that, by Christ’s Word and Spirit, they might have faith and repentance. To pray for the salvation of our enemies is an act of love toward them.

We may pray for God’s punishment on His enemies, not to rejoice in their destruction, but to desire that God’s glory isvindicated and the church delivered. Jesus Christ defeated God’s enemies and redeemed His people in His death on the cross, His resurrection from the grave, and He will triumph over them finally at His return.

Suggestions for prayer

Humbly pray through the words of Psalm 58 using the criteria above.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.