I hate them with perfect hatred;
This phrase reflects a strong emotional response, often seen in the imprecatory psalms where the psalmist expresses a desire for God's justice against the wicked. The term "perfect hatred" suggests a complete and righteous indignation, not based on personal vendetta but on alignment with God's holiness and justice. In biblical context, hatred is not always sinful; it can be a reflection of God's own hatred for sin and evil (Psalm 5:5). The psalmist's hatred is "perfect" in that it is complete and sincere, devoid of hypocrisy. This aligns with the biblical call to love what God loves and hate what God hates (Proverbs 8:13). The cultural context of ancient Israel was one where loyalty to God often required a clear stance against idolatry and wickedness, which were seen as direct threats to the covenant community.

I count them as my enemies.
The psalmist identifies those who oppose God as personal enemies, indicating a deep personal commitment to God's cause. This reflects the biblical theme of enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), where God's people are often in conflict with those who oppose His will. The historical context of Israel often involved physical and spiritual battles against surrounding nations and their gods, which were seen as enemies of Yahweh. This phrase also connects to the New Testament teaching where believers are called to recognize spiritual warfare against the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). While the psalmist counts them as enemies, the New Testament further develops this concept by calling believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44), showing a progression in the understanding of how to deal with opposition.

1. David
The author of Psalm 139, David was the second king of Israel and a man described as "after God's own heart." He often expressed deep emotions in his psalms, ranging from praise to lamentation.

2. Enemies of God
In this context, David refers to those who oppose God and His ways. These are individuals who act in direct opposition to God's will and righteousness.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often surrounded by hostile nations and peoples who worshiped other gods and opposed Israel's God-given mission.Understanding Righteous Anger
David's expression of hatred is not personal but rooted in a zeal for God's righteousness. It is important to distinguish between personal vendettas and a righteous indignation against sin.

Aligning with God's Heart
Our emotions and actions should align with God's heart. While David expresses hatred for God's enemies, it is crucial to seek God's guidance in how we respond to those who oppose Him.

Balancing Justice and Mercy
While the Old Testament often speaks of justice against God's enemies, the New Testament calls believers to balance justice with mercy, reflecting Christ's love even towards those who oppose us.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
Recognize that our true battle is spiritual. We should pray for discernment to identify the spiritual forces at work and respond with spiritual weapons.

Praying for Our Enemies
Following Jesus' teaching, we should pray for those who oppose us, asking God to transform their hearts and bring them to repentance.(22) With perfect hatred.--Literally, with perfection of hatred. Comp. Tennyson's

"Dowered with the hate of hate."

Verse 22. - I hate them with perfect hatred; i.e. with pure, absolute, intense hatred - a hatred commensurate with the love that he felt towards all God's saints. I count them mine enemies; i.e. I regard them as my private foes. I have the same feeling towards them as I have towards those who are at open enmity with me, and seek my destruction. The command had not yet been given, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44).

Parallel Commentaries ...


I hate
שְׂנֵאתִ֑ים (śə·nê·ṯîm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8130: To hate

them with perfect
תַּכְלִ֣ית (taḵ·lîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8503: Completion, an extremity

hatred;
שִׂנְאָ֣ה (śin·’āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8135: Hating, hatred

I count them
הָ֣יוּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

as my enemies.
לְ֝אוֹיְבִ֗ים (lə·’ō·wy·ḇîm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary


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OT Poetry: Psalm 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred (Psalm Ps Psa.)