Psalm 83: Waiting for the Kingdom

READING THE BOOK OF PSALMS

PART LVII

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Psalm 83

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Psalm 83 contains elements already familiar to me as I blog my way through the Psalter:

1. A prayer for national deliverance,
2. The identification of the enemies of Israel and Judah as the foes of God,
3. Petitions for revenge against those adversaries, and
4. The assertion of divine sovereignty.

I understand that all governments–even the most benevolent ones–are merely human.  Therefore, I do not assume that the adversaries of Israel and Judah (including the modern State of Israel) were/are necessarily enemies of God.  No government is beyond legitimate criticism, after all.

The real point of Psalm 83 seems to be to pray for what, in Christian terms, we call the fully-realized Kingdom of God.  The venom in the prayers of the attacked is both predictable and understandable.  Yet that venom is also spiritually toxic.  Giving voice to that venom for the purpose of purging the system has benefits.  Marinating in revenge fantasies has no benefits, though.

So, as we–regardless of our circumstances–await the fully-realized Kingdom of God, may injustice fill us with righteous indignation.  May we–both collectively and individually–act to leave the world and some corners of it better than we found them.  May we act as agents of God.  And may we never marinate in revenge fantasies.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

JANUARY 31, 2023 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF CHARLES FREDERICK MACKENZIE, ANGLICAN BISHOP OF NYASALAND, AND MARTYR, 1862

THE FEAST OF ANTHONY BÉNÉZET, FRENCH-AMERICAN QUAKER ABOLITIONIST

THE FEAST OF MENNO SIMONS, MENNONITE LEADER

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