10:15 10:15

Psalms 10:16

10:17 10:17

Bible Versions

The LORD [is] King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
The LORD {H3068} is King {H4428} for ever {H5769} and ever {H5703}: the heathen {H1471} are perished {H6} out of his land {H776}.
ADONAI is king forever and ever! The nations have vanished from his land.
The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations perish from His land.
Jehovah is King for ever and ever: The nations are perished out of his land.

Context

Psalm 10 is a fervent lament, a cry from the psalmist (traditionally David) to God concerning the apparent prosperity and unchecked arrogance of the wicked and oppressors. Throughout the preceding verses (Psalm 10:2-11), the psalmist describes the cruel, boastful, and godless actions of these individuals, who believe God does not see or care. However, after pleading with God to act (Psalm 10:12-15), verse 16 serves as a powerful declaration of faith and a confident assertion of God's ultimate authority and justice. It marks a turning point from despair to assurance, affirming that despite current appearances, God's reign is absolute and His judgment is certain.

Key Themes

  • God's Eternal Sovereignty: The declaration "The LORD is King for ever and ever" is the cornerstone of this verse. It asserts God's unending, absolute rule over all creation and all of history. His kingship is not temporary or challenged; it is eternal and unshakeable, providing a foundation of hope amidst human chaos. This theme resonates deeply with the assurance found in Psalms 145:13, which speaks of His everlasting dominion.
  • Divine Justice and Judgment: The phrase "the heathen are perished out of his land" speaks to God's active intervention and judgment against those who oppose Him and His righteous ways. "Heathen" (Hebrew: goyim) refers to nations or peoples who do not acknowledge God, often acting with hostility or idolatry. Their "perishing" signifies their ultimate removal, destruction, or vanishing from a position of power or presence in God's sphere of influence—His land, which represents His dominion. This is a promise of divine retribution against wickedness, echoing similar sentiments of God's righteous judgment against those who defy Him, as seen in Psalms 9:5.
  • Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom: Despite the psalmist's initial distress, this verse proclaims the ultimate victory of God's rule. It assures believers that evil will not prevail indefinitely, and those who defy God's authority will ultimately be removed from His presence and their schemes will fail. This provides comfort and hope that God's perfect order will eventually be established.

Linguistic Insights

The term "LORD" (KJV) translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (Yahweh), emphasizing His covenant faithfulness and self-existent nature. The phrase "King for ever and ever" uses the Hebrew melekh olam va'ed, powerfully conveying an unending, eternal reign, reinforcing the absolute nature of God's sovereignty. "Heathen" comes from the Hebrew goyim, which typically refers to non-Israelite nations, often with a connotation of being godless or idolatrous. "Perished" is from the Hebrew root avad, meaning to be lost, destroyed, or to vanish, indicating a complete and decisive removal.

Practical Application

Psalms 10:16 offers profound comfort and reassurance to believers facing injustice, oppression, or when it seems that evil is prevailing. It reminds us that:

  1. God is in Control: Regardless of the chaos or wickedness observed in the world, the ultimate reality is that God is eternally sovereign. Our trust should rest in His unshakeable throne.
  2. Justice Will Prevail: While God's justice may not always be immediate or visible in our timeline, this verse assures us that His judgment is certain. The wicked will not ultimately prosper or retain their power in God's dominion.
  3. Hope for the Future: This declaration provides hope for a future where God's righteous kingdom is fully manifested, and all forms of evil are eradicated. It encourages perseverance in faith and righteous living, knowing that our ultimate destiny is with the Eternal King.
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.

  • 1 Timothy 1:17

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Psalms 29:10

    The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

  • Jeremiah 10:10

    But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

  • Daniel 4:34

    ¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

  • Daniel 6:26

    I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

  • Deuteronomy 8:20

    As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.

  • Psalms 145:13

    Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations.
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