"The problem with the imprecatory psalms, or more correctly, the interpreter’s problem with them, is how an apparent spirit of vengeance can be reconciled with the precepts of the New Testament and Jesus’ command to
love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute
you. (Matt. 5:44)
"The imprecatory psalms present to the Bible student the problem of reconciling the apparent spirit of vengeance with the precepts of the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus. The key to solving this ethical problem is to understand that the imprecations are grounded in the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1:3), in which God promised to curse those who cursed Abraham’s descendants. The psalmist, then, merely appealed for God to fulfill His covenant promise to Israel. It is also helpful to note that the imprecations were motivated by a desire to promote righteousness (Ps. 7:6-11), to demonstrate God’s sovereignty (58:11; 59:13), to cause the wicked to seek the Lord (83:16-18), and to provide an opportunity for the righteous to praise God (7:17; 35:18, 28). Therefore out of zeal for God and abhorrence of sin the psalmist called on God to punish the wicked and to vindicate His righteousness."
(J. Carl Laney. "A Fresh Look at the Imprecatory Psalms." Bibilotheca Sacra 549 (1981).)
I would disagree with Laney that there is no place for imprecation in the experience of the church today. As the OT
imprecators were righteous in what they said so can we be. We must love the enemies, yet pray that God will thwart them so that the work of the ministry may not be impeded.
See Romans12:14-21 (esp. 19) 1 Tim1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14; Matt 23:15-36 (esp. 35).
The apostle Paul did it. But note some rules.
1. It must be a call for God to do the vengeance not the person praying.
2. It can not be our sin that is the cause of the affliction.
3. It must clearly be shown that this is an attack on the work of God and not just on the person praying.
4. Its goal must be to cause people to glory the God.
