Psalm 4:3 Set Apart

Psalm 4:3: Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD will hear when I call to him.

There are at least two perspectives for this verse. One is that I know that you are godly - so we both can take comfort in that. The other is: I know you are NOT godly so I can take comfort (revenge) in that.

There are several places in the Bible where I am uncomfortable with the implications. There are a lot of verses where the sentiment expressed is joy that someone else will "get his", or somehow suffer for the consequences of his actions. Most of these as far as I can remember are in the Old Testament; so it occurs before Jesus comes to turn the world on its ear. Jesus came to remove the idea of "an eye for an eye" ideology of the OT.

When we read this in the Old Testament, we need to remember that it is in the OT and that Jesus came to say turn the other cheek when struck (Matt 5:39), handing over our cloak when asked for our tunic (Matt 5:40), loving our enemies, even praying for them (Matt 5:44).

With that in mind, lets look at this verse as being comforted because God will hear and listen to the prayers of those whom God has set apart for Himself. Ephesians 1 and Romans 8 speak of being predestined, conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Those people who are striving for likeness to Christ, and studying scripture for the purpose of being like Christ, and trying to walk in His ways of obedience can rest assured that "the LORD will hear when [you] call to him".

Thank you, Jesus, for the new covenant. It is so good to be part of Your kingdom where we can be assured that you will hear us when we call. The world has the potential to be a much more peaceful, loving place since You came to take away the "eye for an eye" mentality. I am so sorry when we choose OT ways and ask Your forgiveness for those persons and situations. In Your name, Amen.

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