Psalm 69:22-28

The composer of Psalm 69 has described the way her/his enemies have treated her/him (verses 9-12, 19-21). Now, in verses 22-28, the poet asks Yahweh to right the wrongs her/his enemies have done by bringing upon them what they have brought upon the defenseless:

"Let their table be a trap for them,
a snare for their allies.
Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and make their loins tremble continually.
Pour out your indignation upon them,
and let your burning anger overtake them.
May their camp be a desolation;
let no one live in their tents.
For they persecute those whom you have struck down,
and those whom you have wounded, they attack still more.
Add guilt to their guilt;
may have have no acquittal from you.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;
let them not be enrolled among the righteous."

1. The psalmist is not asking for personal revenge, but for Yahweh to maintain justice and righteousness in the world. Often Yahweh has said he would maintain justice and righteousness in his world (see for example, Psalms 72:1-4; Isaiah 1:21-28; 10:1-4; 28:16-17; Jeremiah 22:13-19; Zechariah 7:8-10; and often). The author of Psalm 69 is simply asking Yahweh to do what he has often declared he would do.
2. Prayers that Yahweh curse his enemies is not "sub-Christian." The New Testament contains the same kind of prayers (Acts 13:9-11; 23:3; Galatians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 16:22; etc.). Such prayers demonstrate great restraint by those who pray them. It is inappropriate for God's faithful people to "retaliate" against evil done to them (see Matthew 5:38-48); instead, God teaches them to return good for evil (see Exodus 23:4-5; 1 Samuel 24:17; Proverbs 24:28-29; 25:21-22; Romans 12:14; etc.). God promises that he will deal with his enemies, who are also the enemies of his people, in his own time and in his own way. "Vengeance is mine, and recompense; . . . Indeed the Lord will vindicate his people" (Deuteronomy 32:35, 36). Thus, Paul teaches God's people in Romans 12:19-21: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' No, 'if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
3. The Bible frequently refers to a "book" which God is keeping, according to which he will judge all peoples (see Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 34:16; Revelation 21:27; etc.). Apparently Psalm 69:28 has in mind a "book" containing the names of the righteous, that is, those who faithfully seek to serve Yahweh.
May God help us to let him do his work of retribution, while we strive to respond to those who hate and oppose us with love and service; and may our prayers and lives reflect this attitude.

John Willis