Biblical Imprecations: Christians’ Secret Weapon

One of the perplexing ethical and hermeneutical problems facing Biblical scholars, pastors and intercessors is the imprecatory Psalms, i.e., those Psalms that call or wish for God’s judgment, calamity or curse upon the enemies of God and God’s covenant people. Is it ever appropriate for Christians to pray Biblical imprecatory prayers? Why or why not? If these prayers are ever appropriate, in what circumstances are they to be used and by whom?
Biblical Imprecations: Christians’ Secret Weapon begins by analyzing two common, but misguided approaches to the imprecatory Psalms. First, some people postulate that the imprecatory Psalms are merely the Psalmist’s own sinful feelings expressed to God. (C.S. Lewis went so far as to assert that the imprecatory Psalms were written by neurotics!) But can such a view be harmonized with the Bible’s teaching regarding its truthfulness, inspiration, inerrancy, authority, etc.—especially as taught by Christ and the Apostles?
A second misguided approach attempts to explain the imprecatory Psalms by hypothesizing different (and conflicting!) moral standards between Old Testament ethics and New Testament ethics. Yet, how can this theory comport with Christ’s summary of the ethical teaching of the Old Testament law and the prophets (Mt 22:37–40)? Furthermore, the Bible grounds its ethical commands in God’s very attributes, which are eternal and unchanging.
Biblical Imprecations: Christians’ Secret Weapon demonstrates the unity of Biblical teaching regarding such imprecations, examining: (1) Christ and the Apostles endorsement of Old Testament imprecations; (2) imprecations spoken by Christ and the Apostles; and (3) imprecations spoken by God’s angels and by glorified martyrs in heaven.
Eight key Biblical-theological principles underlying the imprecatory Psalms are developed:
1.They are not based on personal vindictiveness;
2.They are prophetic judgment prayers;
3.They leave vengeance to God;
4.They are motivated by zeal for God’s name, glory, and kingdom;
5.They involve spiritual warfare;
6.They are based upon God’s covenant;
7.They express faith in God’s justice, power, and covenant faithfulness;
8.They are consistent with all Scripture.
Having examined the Biblical-theological teaching regarding Biblical imprecations, Biblical Imprecations: Christians’ Secret Weapon provides practical applications for the proper use of these Biblical prayers. Necessary cautions are given.
Faith-building testimonies of God powerfully answering the Biblical imprecatory prayers of believers in several nations are included.
Biblical imprecations drawn from the entire Bible are compiled in an appendix — for convenient use in prayer.
Biblical Imprecations also contains a helpful bibliography.
Sample endorsements:
This is a much needed book discussing a much needed tool of spiritual warfare. Buy it, pass it out, and encourage churches everywhere to begin making use of these Biblical weapons designed by God to tear down strongholds. It has been a mystery to me that the church has lost interest in the Psalms. If the bride of Jesus Christ would unitedly bring God’s enemies before the court room of heaven with these inspired words, we would see massive changes happening in the spiritual landscape of country after country. Phillip G. Kayser, PhD: Pastor; Professor, Whitefield Theological Seminary
This is one of the most important booklets that leaders in the Body of Christ in the 21st century can read and apply. It is the most comprehensive, concise and powerful statement promoting imprecatory prayer I have read. It answers the questions of those Christians who are skeptical or fearful of even attempting to pray for God’s righteous judgment to come down upon those who intentionally are opposing God’s laws and are destroying both individual Christians and society in general… Jay Grimstead, DMin, Founder and Director, Coalition on Revival and the International Church Council Project
Also endorsed by John Eidsmoe, JD