I have recently bought a computer game called Dawn of War 2: Retribution.  In the game, evil is vanquished by a brutal inquisition.  What is retribution?  In his commentary on the Psalms Geralsd wilson writes:

The psalmist calls on God to judge the evildoers according to their deeds (28:4-5).  The idea of retribution – that what one does ultimately determines how God responds – is commonly expressed in biblical wisdom literature, especially Proverbs.  there we encounter the experectation that because Yahweh has created the world, there must be a certain orderliness about the cosmos that distinguishes clearly between the righteous and the wicked, th wise and the fool.  The wise and righteous can anticipate divine blessing while the fool and the wicked can expect divine judgment.

Psalm 28

Of David.

 ¹ To you, LORD, I call;
   you are my Rock,
   do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
   I will be like those who go down to the pit.
² Hear my cry for mercy
   as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
   toward your Most Holy Place.

 ³ Do not drag me away with the wicked,
   with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
   but harbor malice in their hearts.
⁴ Repay them for their deeds
   and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
   and bring back on them what they deserve.

 ⁵ Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD
   and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
   and never build them up again.

 ⁶ Praise be to the LORD,
   for he has heard my cry for mercy.
⁷ The LORD is my strength and my shield;
   my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
   and with my song I praise him.

 ⁸ The LORD is the strength of his people,
   a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
⁹ Save your people and bless your inheritance;
   be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Questions

1. How does the psalmist express his desire for divine favour and help?
2. How does the psalmist distinguish himself from the wicked?
3. How are foolish actions and rebellion against God connected?
4. Why do the wicked suffer today?
5. How does choosing to sin bring suffering in your life?  How does choosing God’s ways bring relief from suffering?