Psalms 9:17

KJV

The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wicked {H7563} shall be turned {H7725} into hell {H7585}, and all the nations {H1471} that forget {H7913} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wicked will return to Sh'ol, all the nations that forget God.

Berean Standard Bible

The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God.

American Standard Version

The wicked shall be turned back unto Sheol, Even all the nations that forget God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 9:17 presents a solemn declaration of divine justice, asserting that "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." This verse, situated within a psalm of Davidic thanksgiving and prayer, underscores God's unwavering commitment to righteous judgment, revealing the ultimate and inescapable destiny awaiting those individuals and collective entities who persistently oppose His divine will and disregard His sovereign authority. It serves as a stark warning of the inevitable consequences of spiritual rebellion and willful ignorance of the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 9 is a meticulously crafted psalm of thanksgiving and petition, often paired with Psalm 10 due to shared acrostic elements in the Hebrew text (though incomplete). It begins with exuberant praise for God's past victories over enemies (vv. 1-6), transitioning into a confident declaration of His eternal reign as a righteous judge (vv. 7-10). The psalm then shifts to a plea for God to intervene on behalf of the oppressed (vv. 11-12), followed by a renewed expression of trust in His justice and a vivid portrayal of the fate of the wicked (vv. 13-20). Verse 17 acts as a climactic pronouncement within this latter section, serving as a definitive statement on the ultimate end of those who reject God, contrasting sharply with the hope and security offered to the righteous and the afflicted throughout the psalm, as seen in the promise that God "will not forget the cry of the afflicted" [the cry of the afflicted](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - God Remembers the Afflicted"). The verse's placement reinforces the psalm's central theme: God is a just ruler who will ultimately set all wrongs right.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written by David, likely in a period following a significant victory over his adversaries, Psalms 9 reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of God's active involvement in human affairs and the destiny of nations. In the ancient Near East, the fate of a nation was often linked to its relationship with its gods. For Israel, this relationship was covenantal, demanding exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. "Nations" (*goyim*) in this context often refers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, many of whom were hostile and practiced idolatry, thereby "forgetting" the one true God. The concept of divine judgment was integral to Israelite worldview, where God was seen as the supreme judge, holding both individuals and entire societies accountable for their moral and spiritual conduct. The "wicked" (*rasha*) were not merely those who committed individual sins, but those whose entire life orientation was characterized by rebellion against God and oppression of the righteous, often in defiance of God's covenant laws established from [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the Psalms and throughout biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, emphasizing that God is not a passive observer but an active, righteous judge who will ultimately bring all wickedness to account. His justice is not merely punitive but redemptive, ensuring that evil does not triumph indefinitely and that the oppressed find vindication, as promised in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World with Righteousness"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Spiritual Apostasy**, specifically "forgetting God." This is not a mere intellectual oversight but a profound, willful turning away from His truth, His covenant, and His very existence, leading to moral decay, idolatry, and ultimately, divine retribution. Such forgetfulness is a deliberate act of rebellion against the one who created and sustains all life, a theme echoed in warnings throughout the prophetic books, such as [Jeremiah 2:32](/jeremiah/2-32 "Jeremiah 2:32 - Israel Forgets God"). Lastly, the inclusion of "all the nations" alongside "the wicked" underscores the **Universal Scope of God's Judgment**. It signifies that entire societies, political entities, and collective cultures are also accountable to God for their actions and their collective relationship with Him, demonstrating that God's moral law applies not only to individuals but to all humanity, as seen in the broader narrative of God's dealings with nations from [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") onwards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _rasha'_):** This term (רָשָׁע) refers to those who are morally guilty, unrighteous, or impious. It describes not just isolated acts of sin but a fundamental orientation of life that is hostile to God and His ways. The *rasha* are those who live in defiance of God's law, often characterized by arrogance, oppression, and a lack of fear of God. Their wickedness is active and pervasive, contrasting sharply with the *tzaddiq* (righteous).
* **Turned (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The verb (שׁוּב) means "to turn back," "to return," or "to be restored." In this context, it carries a strong sense of being "turned back" or "sent back" to a place of origin or destiny, implying a definitive and irreversible reversal of their earthly trajectory. It suggests a divine act of consigning them to their deserved end, a forceful redirection from their path of rebellion to their ultimate fate.
* **Hell (Hebrew, _Sheol'_):** The Hebrew word (שְׁאוֹל) in the Old Testament primarily denotes the grave or the realm of the dead, a shadowy, silent place to which all humanity descends. However, in contexts of judgment, as here, *Sheol* takes on a more ominous connotation, signifying destruction, perishing, and being cut off from the land of the living and God's favor. While not equivalent to the New Testament concept of *Gehenna* or the eternal lake of fire, it clearly denotes a state of ruin, separation from God's presence, and cessation of influence for the unrighteous. It is a place of no return for the wicked, marking their definitive end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wicked shall be turned into hell":** This clause declares the inescapable destiny of those characterized by active rebellion against God (*rasha*). The passive voice "shall be turned" emphasizes that this is a divine act, God Himself consigning them to their ultimate end. "Hell" (Sheol) here signifies not merely physical death and the grave, but a state of irreversible destruction, separation from God's life-giving presence, and the cessation of their influence and existence in the land of the living. It is the just recompense for their unrighteousness.
* **"[and] all the nations that forget God":** This second clause expands the scope of judgment from individuals to collective entities. The conjunction "and" links the fate of the wicked individual to that of entire nations. "Nations that forget God" are those who, as a collective, have willfully disregarded His existence, His laws, and His covenant. Their forgetfulness is not an oversight but an active rejection, leading to idolatry, moral depravity, and oppression. This demonstrates that God's judgment applies universally, holding entire societies accountable for their collective spiritual and moral posture before Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 9:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. Most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism** where the second clause ("all the nations that forget God") reiterates and expands upon the first ("The wicked shall be turned into hell"). This structure emphasizes that "the wicked" are not just individuals but also encompass entire "nations that forget God," thereby broadening the scope of divine retribution to include collective entities. The phrase "turned into hell" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for ultimate destruction and separation from God's presence, vividly depicting the irreversible fate of the unrighteous. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the implied flourishing of the righteous (elsewhere in the psalm) and the utter demise of the wicked creates a strong sense of **Antithesis**, highlighting the two distinct paths and their ultimate outcomes. The use of "all the nations" could also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the comprehensive and universal nature of God's judgment, leaving no rebellious entity outside its reach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 9:17 is a foundational statement on God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It reveals that God is not only the Creator but also the moral Governor of the universe, holding both individuals and nations accountable for their actions and their relationship with Him. The concept of "forgetting God" is profoundly theological; it signifies a deliberate rejection of the source of all life and truth, leading to spiritual death and moral decay. This verse affirms God's commitment to vindicate the oppressed and to ensure that evil does not have the final word. It underscores the biblical truth that there are eternal consequences for rebellion against God, and that His righteous judgment is a necessary outworking of His holy character, ensuring the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of His perfect kingdom.

* [Psalms 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - God Gives Over Those Who Forget Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 9:17 serves as both a sobering warning and a profound source of comfort for the believer. For those who acknowledge and seek God, it reinforces the steadfast assurance that God is just and will ultimately bring all wickedness to account, providing hope and solace amidst present injustices and the apparent prosperity of the unrighteous. It reminds us that God sees, God knows, and God will act. For individuals and nations alike, it is a stark reminder of the profound and eternal consequences of living without regard for God, of choosing a path of self-will and spiritual amnesia. This verse challenges us to deeply reflect on our own spiritual state and the collective trajectory of our societies, urging a fervent return to acknowledging, honoring, and obeying the Creator. To "forget God" is to invite inevitable judgment, whereas remembering Him, living in obedience to His commands, and seeking His face leads to life, blessing, and eternal security, contrasting sharply with the way of the wicked described in [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be subtly "forgetting God" in our daily lives or collective priorities?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice in this verse impact my perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more actively "remember God" and align my life with His will?**

### FAQ
**What does "hell" mean in Psalms 9:17, given the Old Testament context?**

Answer: In Psalms 9:17, "hell" translates the Hebrew word *Sheol* (שְׁאוֹל). In the Old Testament, *Sheol* primarily refers to the grave or the realm of the dead, a shadowy, silent place where all, both righteous and wicked, were believed to descend after death. It is not the same as the New Testament concept of *Gehenna* (gehenna/hell of eternal punishment) or the "lake of fire" mentioned in [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - The Lake of Fire"). However, in contexts of judgment, as in Psalms 9:17, *Sheol* takes on a stronger connotation of destruction, perishing, and being cut off from the land of the living and God's favor. For the wicked, it signifies a definitive and irreversible end to their earthly existence and the cessation of their influence, marking a state of ruin and separation from God's presence, rather than a place of conscious eternal torment as understood in later theology.

**Does God still judge nations today, or is this concept limited to ancient times?**

Answer: The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as sovereign over all nations, and Psalms 9:17 affirms that "all the nations that forget God" will face judgment. While the specific manifestations of judgment may differ from overt military defeat as seen in ancient Israel, the principle remains: God holds nations accountable for their collective moral and spiritual trajectory. History, both biblical and secular, is replete with examples of nations rising and falling based on their adherence to or departure from divine principles. God's justice is eternal and universal, and His moral law applies to all humanity. Though His patience is great, as seen in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Judgment"), nations that collectively and persistently forget Him, embrace wickedness, and oppress the vulnerable can expect to experience the consequences of divine displeasure, whether through internal decay, external pressures, or other forms of societal decline.

**What does it mean for nations to "forget God"? Is it merely a lack of knowledge?**

Answer: To "forget God" in the biblical sense is far more than a simple intellectual oversight or lack of knowledge. It implies a deliberate and active turning away from God, a willful disregard for His laws, His covenant, and His very existence as the sovereign Creator and Judge. It manifests as spiritual apathy, idolatry, moral depravity, and a societal rejection of divine authority, often leading to oppression, injustice, and self-destruction. It is a choice to live as if God does not exist or as if His commands are irrelevant. This active forgetfulness leads to a forfeiture of divine favor and invites judgment, as described in [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Debased Mind"), where God gives over those who refuse to acknowledge Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 9:17, with its stark declaration of judgment upon the wicked and nations that forget God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm foretells a divine reckoning, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the one through whom all judgment is executed, for the Father "has given him authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man" [authority to execute judgment](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus, the Judge"). The "hell" (Sheol) into which the wicked are turned is illuminated by Christ's triumph over death and the grave, as He holds "the keys of Death and Hades" [keys of Death and Hades](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys"). For those who believe in Him, the judgment described in Psalms 9:17 is averted, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" [no condemnation](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ"). Conversely, for those who truly "forget God" by rejecting His Son, Jesus warns of a more profound and eternal separation, a "furnace of fire" where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth" [weeping and gnashing of teeth](/matthew/13-42 "Matthew 13:42 - The Furnace of Fire"). Ultimately, Christ's return will usher in the final judgment where all nations will stand before Him, and He will separate the righteous from the wicked, establishing His eternal kingdom where justice reigns supreme and God is never forgotten [all the nations will be gathered](/matthew/25-32 "Matthew 25:32 - The Judgment of the Nations"). Thus, Psalms 9:17 points to the necessity of a divine judge, a role perfectly and redemptively fulfilled in Christ, who offers salvation from the very judgment it describes.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.