Psalm 191 from Beyond Psalm 150
Our next two Psalms come from the prophet Jeremiah. His ministry occurs toward the end of the nation of Judah’s existence. His book ends with Judah’s exile.
In this short psalm, Jeremiah opens with an unassuming gentleness, yet he quickly implores Yahweh to punish those nations and families who oppose him and have afflicted his people.
Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not in himself.
Jeremiah 10:23–25 (WEB)
It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
Yahweh, correct me, but gently;
not in your anger,
lest you reduce me to nothing.
Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you,
and on the families that don’t call on your name;
for they have devoured Jacob.
Yes, they have devoured him, consumed him,
and have laid waste his habitation.
Reflections on Request for Deliverance
Jeremiah asks Yahweh to treat him gently and punish his enemies harshly.
Do we expect to receive God’s mercy while at the same time calling for him to judge others?
May we want God’s grace for others as much as for ourselves. After all, everyone sins and needs Jesus. This includes us, and it includes our enemies too.
Explore the other psalms—sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament—scattered throughout the Bible in Peter’s book Beyond Psalm 150.
Discover more sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament throughout the Bible.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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