Articles
Important Questions - 19
“How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:11)
This is an unsettling question as it seems to suggest a spirit contrary to being a Christian. This question is not rhetorical; it is a query of those who have been martyred for their faith. How long will God allow those who have slain His people to go unpunished?
This is similar to the imprecatory psalms appealing for God’s vengeance against one’s enemies. Psalm 35:1-8 is an example which ends: “Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, and let his net that he has hidden catch himself; into that very destruction let him fall.”
In these respective imprecations note that the speakers rely on God for justice. There is no vigilantism and no suggestion of bitter hatred. Rather, the appeal to God is for righteousness to be upheld and evil to be overcome. If it is right for God to do it (in this case, punish evil), it is right for the saint to desire it. Those who steadfastly set themselves against God justly receive condemnation.
