Author: John N. Day
Year of Publication: 2005
Page Count: 199
There are a number of psalms that have been the subject of controversy in the Christian church for many years. These are the “imprecatory psalms” in which the psalmist expresses a strong desire that God’s vengeance be unleashed against those who persist in doing evil. The question arises again and again: can we as Christians make words like those found in Psalm 137:9 our own in our prayers and in our worship? Can we say, “Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock,” or is this sentiment unworthy of a New Covenant believer?
In his book Crying For Justice:What the Psalms Teach Us About Mercy and Vengeance in an Age of Terrorism (2005, 199 pages), John N. Day argues that the imprecatory psalms must continue to be used by Christians today, and he explains why people like C.S. Lewis (who believed that the imprecatory psalms are “sub-Christian” expressions of a sinful desire for revenge) are wrong in rejecting them. Day deals with apparent contradictions between the Old and New Testament, examines several of what he calls “unsatisfactory solutions” to the problem, provides detailed analysis of three of the harshest imprecatory psalms (Psalms 58, 109, and 137), and concludes with a sample sermon on Psalm 83. Day’s conclusion is that these controversial psalms, which can seem to be so problematic in our 21st Century Western cultural context, must continue to form an integral part of Christian worship. I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone who has struggled with the idea that these psalms should be prayed and sung by Christians today.