Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 59:1 (NA 2008)
Article: ‘I Hate Them With Perfect Hatred’ (Psalm 139:21-22)
Author: Eric Peels

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TynBull 59:1 (2008) p. 35

‘I Hate Them With Perfect Hatred’ (Psalm 139:21-22)

Eric Peels

Summary

In this article the offensive prayer of Psalm 139:21-22 with its dubious utterance of hatred is investigated with regard to its particular language, context and intentions. First, it is argued that the central notion of ‘hatred’ does not necessarily imply malicious intentions. Subsequently, the immediate context of verses 21-22 is studied. The structure of the psalm strongly favours the idea of an original unity of the psalm, which prevents us from discarding verses 21-22 as a redactional addition. On the contrary, these verses form an integral part of this psalm, which is a meditative confession with three theological motifs in particular: a) God’s knowing and searching, b) the ethical issue of the two ‘ways’, and c) the rejection of the wicked—themes that are strongly interrelated. Within this context, verses 21-22 function as a confession in the negative mode. To the poet hating the enemy is primarily the reverse of his turning and dedication to YHWH. The emphasis is not so much on the emotions of the poet as well as on his choice to take a stand and on his attitude. Next, the utterance of verses 21-22 is examined within its own conceptual and spiritual framework, and its own religious and social life-scene. By hating God’s enemies the poet relates to God’s own hatred of the wicked and his curse on them. Finally, the question is discussed whether in today’s Christian faith and worship such prayers can still have some function.

1. Introduction

Among the offensive passages from the Old Testament with prayers for the downfall of the adversaries Psalm 139:19-22 is unique. Nowhere

TynBull 59:1 (2008) p. 36

else is the hatred against enemies expressed so directly and whole- heartedly. ‘Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies’ (vv. 21-22 NIV). If Psalm 139 had ended with the third paragraph in verse 18 it would have been one of the most beautiful songs in the Book of Psalms, as one scholar remarked in the past.1 Are not the contents of verses 19-22 a dissonance in the context of the whole psalm, whi...

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