7 Psalms for vengeance (Psalms verses to read for revenge)

Teaching theology and having a bible study group with experienced theologians has challenged me to study the bible extensively.

As a group of theologians, we study the bible together, and our last book was Psalms, in which I was assigned to research and present on the theme of vengeance.

Given that I had earlier studied on the same theme, I had an easy time producing excellent study and presentation. I noted the exceptional reception and appreciation of my work from the other theologians and decided to write this article to share with you in case you are wondering Psalms verses to read for revenge.

7 Psalms for vengeance

Psalms 94:1-7

“O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage. They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.”

In this verse, the writer implores God to show his vengeance on the proud, wicked murderers, those who speak insolently, those who do evil and boast in them, those who afflict the widows, strangers, and orphans, and those who destroy God’s heritage.

The writer is disappointed that such people seem to continue to prosper. It is a Psalm you can read when you are praying to God to stop the afflictions among the helpless.

Psalms 58:10-11

“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.”

The writer says that the righteous will be glad when God visits his vengeance among the wicked. He says that such vengeance will demonstrate to men that living righteously is beneficial.

This is a Psalm to read when you need encouragement to continue being righteous. It assures you of escaping God’s vengeance and assures you of a reward for your righteousness.

Psalms 79:10-13

“Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord. So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.”

It is a prayer to God to avenge his servants who have been imprisoned, afflicted, and killed. He prays that God’s vengeance be sevenfold and in such a way that nations will experience and witness it.

He also prays that God may preserve the lives of those awaiting execution. You can use this Psalm as a prayer for justice, for the righteous, and against their persecutors.

Psalms 149:5-9

“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.”

The writer begins by urging the righteous and the priests to praise God and continually sing for him. He then instructs them to use a double-edged sword to bring vengeance and punishment to people and nations.

He says that they should bring justice to such. The verse uses symbolism to show the believer’s role in executing God’s vengeance and punishment for wickedness.

It is a call for the righteous to take their role and not remain passive when wickedness continues to thrive. It speaks of revenge against unrighteousness.

Psalms 137:8-9

“O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.”

The Psalmist says that the Babylonians should be repaid for their oppression. He says that they should have their children smashed against rocks.

It is a Psalm that shows intense emotions of desired revenge because of the prosecution the Israelites encountered in Babylon.

Psalms 140:12-13

“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”

In this Psalm, the writer expresses confidence that God will avenge the afflicted and the poor. He says that because of God’s justice, the upright and the righteous will give thanks and dwell in His presence.

It is a Psalm you can read when waiting for God to offer justice.

Psalms 83:13-18

“O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind. As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.”

This is a Psalm that asks the Lord to make the Midian, like whirl dust, like burnt wood, and like chaff in the wind. He further asks God to shame them so that they can seek His name.

He wants them to be dismayed and confounded forever. You can use these Psalms as a prayer to God, mainly to deal with your challenges.

Although you may not pray for evil to befall people, you can pray for vengeance against challenging situations.

What does the book of Psalms say about vengeance?

It says that the wicked will suffer vengeance because of their wickedness, and the righteous will be spared. For instance, Psalms 58:10-11 assures the wicked that they will receive justice for their wickedness.

It also says that God will take revenge against those who afflict the righteous, poor, widows, and orphans. For instance, in Psalms 94:1-7, the Psalmist prays that those who oppress the widows and the fatherless meet God’s vengeance.

How do you use these Psalms for vengeance?

You can use the Psalms for vengeance as a restraint against taking matters into your own hands in seeking revenge. When you understand that God will take revenge for you, you will be less interested in avenging yourself.

Also, you can use the Psalms to warn those who blatantly violate God’s commandments and oppress the poor. Through such Psalms, you can warn them of the judgment awaiting them if they do not change.