Psalms that ask God to kill people are difficult to handle. One option is to ignore them, or to dismiss them and go toward easier passages to interpret. Another is to handle hard passages carefully, allowing context to show us the underlying thoughts and themes of the passage.
No Hiding From God (Psalm 139:1-12)
I read this psalm as a devotional this afternoon, and realized it has some structure to it. The first verse might sound quite familiar - "Oh Lord, you have searched me and know me." The next few verses walk through how God knows us. He knows what we think, where we go, what we say, and there is nowhere we can get away from God. He is everywhere, and knows everything about us.
God Created Us (Psalm 139:13-18)
God had his hand on us before we were born. Before we even breathed our first breath, all of our days were ordained in God's book. (139:16)
Dear God: Please Kill Wicked People (Psalm 139:19-24)
In light of there being nowhere to hide from God, and his intimate knowledge of our lives before we were born, now comes the battle between good and evil. Some people chose to serve God fully, others to serve themselves or other gods.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
"See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
In light that some people chose not to serve God, wickedness abounds. David, the author of this Psalm, has great hatred toward wicked people, who talk wickedly, who misuse God's name. He hates them because they hate God. (139:19-22). On the other hand though, David serves and loves God faithfully. Thus, he asks God to act on behalf of his own name and character - give humanity what humanity deserves. Wicked people who hate God deserve death; however because David loves God, he asks for direction in the everlasting path.
On the other hand though, the specific people David hates seem to be centered around people who specifically hate God. They profane his name, and speak of God with evil intent in their hearts.
Ultimately, God will answer David's prayer and plea for cosmic justice. God's plan is a bit larger in scope than David might have realized, and it is fortunate God has been gracious and compassionate and not killed every single person who hates him. Instead, if we love him and serve him, he will lead us in the path of righteousness for his name's sake.
