Psalms of Wrath

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What is the tone of the prayers described in the Psalms?

Indifferent and neutral

Vengeful and wrathful (correct)

Peaceful and forgiving

Hopeful and optimistic

What is the biblical command that contrasts with the tone of the Psalms?

Love your enemies and bless those who curse you (correct)

Honor your father and mother

Do unto others as they do unto you

Love your neighbor as yourself

What is the Christian struggle described in the text?

Balancing love and forgiveness with wrath and vengeance (correct)

Deciding between different denominations

Choosing between faith and reason

Understanding the Trinity

What is the context of the violent prayers in the Psalms?

Personal struggles with enemies Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome desired for enemies in Psalm 109:9?

Fatherlessness and widowhood Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the publication mentioned in the text?

Leaven Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the statement about imprecation?

The act of faith in the covenant fidelity of God Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of imprecations in the ancient Near East and in Israel?

To appeal to divine justice when human justice failed Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of taking a vigilante approach to justice?

An escalation of violence Signup and view all the answers

What was the structure of the book of Deuteronomy modeled after?

Hittite treaty structure Signup and view all the answers

What Bible verse is cited as a classic expression of the principle of imprecation?

Deuteronomy 32:35 Signup and view all the answers

What is the issue presented in Psalm 69:4?

A false accusation by a perjuring witness Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of curses on boundary stones and graves?

To deter people from encroaching on legally protected or sacred space Signup and view all the answers

Why were curses contained in imprecatory psalms not seen as vindictive?

Because they were an appeal to the covenant curses outlined by God Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for perjury according to the Law of Moses?

Exact retribution upon the false witness Signup and view all the answers

Why is the law of perjury important in ancient Israel?

To purge the evil from the midst of the community Signup and view all the answers

What was the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3?

I will bless those who bless you, but the one who curses you I will curse Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of imprecation in the covenantal structure of Israel's life with God?

To weave the fabric of Israel's relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the psalmist's requests in Psalm 69 and the pain they suffer at the hands of their false accusers?

The psalmist's requests exactly correspond to their suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the psalmist's eyes according to verse 3?

Their eyes are worn out from seeking God. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the false accusations against the psalmist according to verse 8?

The psalmist is estranged from their family and faith community. Signup and view all the answers

What is the motivation behind the psalmist's desire to see their enemies estranged from their families and community?

The psalmist's enemies have resulted in their estrangement from their family and faith community. Signup and view all the answers

What principle is the psalmist's prayer conforming to?

The principle of retribution outlined in Deuteronomy 19.16-19. Signup and view all the answers

What is the question that arises regarding the psalmist's prayer?

Is there a higher calling for disciples of Christ than simple quid pro quo retribution? Signup and view all the answers

Why might the enemies in the Psalms be unidentified?

To make the prayers more universally applicable Signup and view all the answers

What is revealed with the coming of Christ?

A new light on the cosmic battlefield Signup and view all the answers

Who does Jesus confront and expel?

Demons Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of Jesus' crucifixion according to the text?

The rulers and authorities are disarmed Signup and view all the answers

What is the possible ultimate target of the imprecatory prayers in the Psalter?

The devil and his demons, our sinful nature, and Death Signup and view all the answers

What is the description of the war in Ephesians 6:12?

A war fought not against flesh and blood Signup and view all the answers