Psalms expert shares insight during lecture
Psalm 137 could be described as the most difficult psalm of the bible.
This particularly challenging chapter of the book of Psalms was the topic of the B.F. Maiz Lecture Series in which Dr. Jerome F.D. Creach spoke.
Creach is a Robert C. Holland professor of the Old Testament at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Creach’s expertise and field of interest lies in the psalms of the prophets, the destiny of the righteous, and violence in the bible.
Creach dissected Psalm 137 before a captive audience on Monday, in Alumni Hall.
Creach explained that Psalms is a book in the bible that informs our prayers.
“Psalms is a unique part of the bible because it is an entire book of prayer,” said Creach.
He told those in attendance that we learn to pray from Jesus Christ.
“The prayers of Psalms were written by Jesus,” said Creach.
However, he went on to say this is troubling, as the psalms often call upon God to bring vengeance on enemies.
Psalm 137 in particular promotes violence in speaking of the kingdom of Edom.
Verses eight and nine declare, “O daughter Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us. Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock.”
Creach posed the question, “how can words like this inform Christian prayer?”
He went on to explain that prayer is not intended to be babbling off a wish list to God. However, prayer is an act in which we can pour ourselves out to God.
Creach described the act against Jerusalem that prompted this prayer.
The people of Judah believed that God dwelled in Jerusalem and that it was an incredibly sacred place.
Therefore, when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem, the Babylonians were seen to have denied God’s kingdom.
Though deeply affected by what Creach described as the 9/11 of biblical times, the people of Judah did not call upon God to punish the Babylonians.
Verses eight and nine do not contain any petition or curse.
The verses simply contain a plea to establish justice, with the punishment limited to those who acted unjustly.
The psalmist was powerless. Therefore, the prayer was a mere calling out to God.
Creach then posed the question, “Can we agree with this prayer when Jesus asked us to pray for our enemies?”
To this question, Creach presented an interpretation that sheds light on a different outlook on the verse.
“When evil desires come into your heart, dash them against the rock of Christ,” said Creach.
Creach explained that vengeance is the right solely of God and is the other side of divine compassion.
“We must believe that God is willing to act on behalf of those that need him,” said Creach.
Following his speech, Creach extended an offer to answer the questions of those in attendance.