If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? Let’s look at Psalm 83.
A song. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Does it sometimes seem like God is silent or still, when enemies attack?
Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Ps 83:1-4 NKJV)
Who are our Edomites and Ishmaelites who are allied against us? Are they really against God?
Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you—these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 83:5-8 NLT)
As God has protected His people in the past, will He again, if we are faithful?
Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon; who perished at Endor, who became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let’s take possession of God’s pasture lands.” (Ps 83:9-12 WEB)
Do we recognize and look forward to God’s justice on His enemies? Is the purpose of divine punishment shame, motivation to seek God’s name?
My God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff blown by wind. Just like a fire consumes a forest, just like flames set mountains ablaze, pursue them with your storm, terrify them with your hurricane. Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they might seek your name. Let them be shamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. Let them know that you—your name is the Lord!—you alone are Most High over all the earth. (Ps 83:13-18 CEB)
Is God’s motive of repentance behind His punishment also mentioned by Peter?
The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Pet 3:9 CEV)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? You decide!
