Happy the one who dashes your little ones against the rock (Psalm 137:9)!

The modern reader is rightly repulsed by the sentiment expressed here by the Psalmist. But let us first, without excusing or approving of it,  understand the background. The Psalmist is grieving in Babylon with  the rest of the exiles, who are being taunted by their captives “those who plundered us requested mirth” and “a song of Zion” (Jerusalem verses 1, 3).  The Psalmist is appealing for retribution to the Lord as divine Judge (verse 7). Historians tell us that what is described in the title was a common practice for conquering armies back then. We don't know explicitly if this was done to Israel, but we do know they slaughtered Zedekiah's sons before his eyes, put out his own eyes (so that their slaughter was the very last thing he saw), then took him bound in chains, to Babylon (2 Kings 25:7).

If we believe that ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and that as New Testament believers we are to love the Lord with all our mind (Mark 12:30), then we can neither eliminate  nor ignore this Scripture.  I have to say that there are many things, especially in the Old Testament that cause me pause, and this is one of them. But let me share some thoughts. Not saying this is the last word! Again without saying it's a good thing, I think we can say from what had happened to Israel, that from a human point of view it is understandable.  We need to remember too, that this is old covenant, where,  though mercy and forgiveness are mentioned in the Old Testament,  the primary emphasis there is justice.  So the rule is eye for eye and tooth for a tooth (Exodus 21:24).  And in case you think this is barbaric, understand that it was given to prevent escalation.  It is only after we can understand the concept of justice and adhere to it, that Jesus would come and tell us to love our enemies. Try telling the rioters in the States to love the police. Actually the Law was given to help us see our need of something greater than mere justice.  In fact it shows us our need of Christ (Galatians 3:24).

So then we must neither cut these things out of the Scripture, nor ignore them. They show us,  both then and now,  what man is capable of. They also show us why the substitutionary death of Christ was so necessary for our salvation. Some say that man is basically good, but both theologically and in practice “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” and “there is no difference, we are all basically the same (Romans 3:23).  This is a huge part of the offense of the cross (Galatians 5:11).  These things also remind me this it is precisely because of our Judaeo-Christain heritage, that we too easily take for granted, that we do indeed find these things repulsive.  We throw this heritage out,  at our peril!

Father, thank You for the help I receive from commentaries in trying to come to terms with some of the more difficult things, especially in the Old Testament. And I come back this morning Lord the the radical nature of Your sacrifice “My life for yours.” Please give me the grace and the wherewithal to follow Jesus in this Lord, and to pray for,  and do,  the Kingdom work of reconciliation, and I'll  give You the all glory in Jesus Name Amen