Unraveling the Professions of Innocence in the Psalms
A Deeper Understanding of Righteousness
When we encounter professions of innocence in the Psalms, it’s easy to be skeptical. Are these claims genuine or self-deceptive? To grasp the meaning behind these words, we must first understand the concept of righteousness in the Psalter.
The Multiple Facets of Righteousness
In the Psalms, “righteous” and “righteousness” can be applied in several ways. Firstly, it refers to the entire people of Israel, who have received the covenantal revelation of the righteous Creator. Secondly, it describes individuals who sincerely embrace the covenant, seeking to please God in their conduct and character. Thirdly, it denotes persons who are noteworthy for their positive impact on the community, worthy of honor and imitation. Lastly, it applies to the innocent party in a dispute, without implying moral perfection.
Uncovering the Implied Opposite
To discern which sense of righteousness is present in a given text, we must identify the contrasts in view. As C.S. Lewis noted, “The best clue is to ask oneself in each instance what is the implied opposite.” Different psalms focus on different oppositions, such as individual laments or the ideal for the Davidic kingship.
Individual Laments and Community Support
Psalms like 7, 17, and 26 are individual laments, suitable for a worshiping congregation with a member under threat from false accusations. These psalms allow the congregation to rally around its unjustly accused brethren, reinforcing its commitment to love the virtues and hate the vices depicted in these texts. They also provide a vehicle for people to call to God for help when they are unfairly criticized or persecuted.
The Relative Nature of Innocence
In Psalm 7, David’s profession of innocence is relative to the accusations being made, rather than absolute. This psalm provides a way for people to call to God for help when they are unfairly criticized or persecuted. The innocence claimed is not a declaration of moral perfection but a statement of relative innocence in the face of specific accusations.
A Warning to the Guilty
Psalm 7 serves as an implicit warning that those who commit evils ought not to use this psalm to ask for God’s help but should begin with confession of sin. This psalm is suited only for those cases in which the danger stems from the malice of the persecutors, not from the wrongdoing of the person in trouble.
Bold Pastoral Leadership Required
To use these psalms well requires careful and bold pastoral leadership. Self-identification as an innocent sufferer is neither healthy nor invited! Christians must recognize that Jesus, as the ultimate heir of David, embodies the ideals and is therefore worthy of admiration and imitation.
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