Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me, therefore, ye bloody men.
Indignation against the wicked
I. Here is a fact in relation to the moral government of God. That fact is the ultimate ruin of the wicked. “Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God.” The wicked will ultimately be ruined.
1. This fact agrees with the dictates of conscience. The consciences of mankind the world over proclaim it.
2. This fact agrees with the principle of moral causation. Sin brings ruin, every act of transgression carries with it its penalty, and tends to death.
3. This fact agrees with the declaration of the Bible, “Be sure your sins will find you out.” “He that soweth to the flesh,” etc.
II. Here is a fact in the experience of pious men. “Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate Thee?” Whether these words breathe piety or not, they suggest a fact in the experience of all godly men. It is this--antipathy to the character that is opposed to God.
1. The fact is a necessity. From the laws of our mental constitution it is impossible for us go love those who hate the object we most love. Love makes the twain one, hence it is impossible for a man truly to love God and not hate that which is opposed to Him.
2. This fact is an excellence. It is morally right and grand to see the godly man rising up in indignation against all that is opposed to the character and will of God. (Homilist.)