November 10 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Psalm 139

Devotional

Apparently there is an enormous change of direction in the words of Psalm 139. Verse 18 ends sensitively and tenderly with the words, “When I awake, I am still with thee.” And then all of a sudden the poet turns the reader’s attention to the hate he feels against his enemies. Is this not strange? It seems as if the psalmist’s flesh is suddenly ruling him, instead of the Spirit. Some people have said that this is typical Old Testament language, and yet others are offended by the Old Testament psalms that speak of revenge and curses.

Many people claim that in the New Testament such harsh words are not found and that, on the contrary, we find commandments to love our enemies and to do well to those who hate us. In this way people separate the Old from the New Testament as if they contradict one another. For this reason many people prefer the New Testament over the Old Testament. But would it be true that the psalmist David contradicts the words of Christ? David says in this Psalm, “I hate.” Christ says, “Thou shalt love.” Have we then stated the case? If a solution cannot be found, then Scripture contradicts itself. If that is true, then the Bible is no longer God’s Word, for then God would contradict Himself in His own Word.

But if we would read the holy Word of God properly we would see that there are no contradictions. Christ says: “Love your enemies.” Take note that it says “your enemies.” But never has the Lord said to love the enemies of God. David says, “I hate them with perfect hatred.” But again he does not say this of his own enemies, but of God’s enemies. By grace David has been taught to love his own enemies. Think of Saul who pursued him, and of Shimei who cursed him.

David does not hate his enemies, but he hates the enemies of God. This is hatred according to the will of God. This hatred is an element in the life of a true Christian. Regrettably such hatred is seldom found in the present-day understanding of what a Christian is. Consequently the word “Christian” in today’s world does not create a clear picture of one who is distinct, one who is separate. The strength of isolation has vanished.

Are we permitted then to hate our neighbor? No! There is enough hatred in this present world. There is enough hatred when it concerns our own enemies. If we have been offended even a little in the sphere of our honor, then the denouncements shoot forth quickly from the bottom of our depraved hearts. Yes, when it is about our own enemies, there is enough hatred. It would not be difficult to repeat after the poet if he had written: “Do not I hate them...that hate me?”

But who is able to hate when God’s honor has been offended? This hatred is the true Christian hatred—the pure, the godly, and the sacred hatred. If the church of God cannot hate anymore with this hatred, then the church will no longer be a church. The reason is that the friendship of the world is enmity against God.

This may be too wonderful, but still it is true: this hatred originates from love. One’s love for God is the source of his hatred against the enemies of God. Is it not the same in natural life? Would a child who loves his parents be able to love those who hate his parents? Would it not be painful for that child if his father or mother were assaulted? That is the case here as well. David loves His God too much to not hate those who hate Him.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.