Mercy and wrath are united in the character of God. His wrath defends those who trust in His mercy.
Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75 are arranged to be sung to the tune, “Do Not Destroy” (Heb, Al-taschith). This is curious, because those psalms seem to be requesting a lot of destroying from Heaven’s armory! I’m reminded of a line in a psalm written by the prophet Habakkuk and included in his little book (Hab 3:1-19). It is to be sung “with strong emotions” (Heb, Shigionoth), and includes the classic line, “In wrath remember mercy” (v 2). When I read these psalms, I’m vividly reminded that I once lived under the wrath of God, and only the slender thread of His mercy held it back from falling on me. Yes, “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Rom 1:18). And the verse the Spirit used in my conversion declares: “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (Jn 3:36). How grateful I am that the way He showed His mercy was not by somehow ignoring the wrath, but by enduring it for us! The title “Do Not Destroy” is helpfully illustrated by some of the occasions mentioned at the heads of these psalms. Psalm 57 was written when David “fled from Saul into the cave.” Then the sword of divine justice was a heartbeat away from Saul, and it was David who showed him mercy. Psalm 59 was penned “when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him.” On that occasion it was David who was shown mercy by Michal. It was the only time he was in danger of dying in his own bed (1 Sam 19:11-18)! In our next study we’ll examine some of the details of Psalm 59. But aren’t we glad that it concludes by pointing us to the One called “My God of mercy” (v 17)!