“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked” (Nah 1:3).
Christians like to think about our “blessed Redeemer” (Heb, gâ’al, goel), but that title is also translated as “revenger” or “avenger.” In ancient Israel there was no penal system, and every clan was to have a kinsman who took responsibility for wronged family members, especially by violence. We enjoy the love story of Ruth and Boaz, but at other times, “The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death” (Num 35:21). Yes, Christ paid the redemption price in His own blood to buy us out of sin’s slave market. But what will He finally do— after the ever-lengthening day of grace—to those who flaunt God’s grace, persecute His people, and mock His claims? How will He answer the martyrs’ cry, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev 6:10). Or as David says, “When He avenges blood, He remembers them” (Ps 9:12). What is the balance between seeking the salvation of God’s enemies—as we all once were (Rom 5:10)—and also wanting God to set right the wrongs of wicked men? Paul writes: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink…’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (12:19-21). David’s psalm oscillates between a call for justice for the wicked and mercy for himself (Ps 9:13). The secret is found in the title of Psalm 9. It was to be sung “To the tune of ‘Death of the Son’” (Heb, Muth-labben). Thank God for His wrath! Only that wrath once poured out on the Son can save us—and multitudes who are still God’s enemies—saving us “from the wrath to come” (1 Thess 1:10).