Psalms 101:8

KJV

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will early {H1242} destroy {H6789} all the wicked {H7563} of the land {H776}; that I may cut off {H3772} all wicked {H205} doers {H6466} from the city {H5892} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, cutting off all evildoers from the city of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Morning by morning will I destroy all the wicked of the land; To cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 101:8 encapsulates King David's unwavering commitment to righteous governance and the active purification of his kingdom, particularly within Jerusalem, the designated "city of the LORD." This verse is a powerful declaration of his resolve to swiftly and decisively eliminate all forms of wickedness and corrupt practices from his administration and the land, reflecting his deeply held conviction that a holy God demands a holy people and a righteous leadership. It serves as a personal vow to uphold divine standards of justice and integrity in the exercise of his royal authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 101 is a Davidic psalm, often characterized as a "King's Vow" or a royal pledge of integrity. It outlines the principles by which David intends to rule, beginning with a declaration of his commitment to "sing of steadfast love and justice" as stated in [Psalms 101:1](/psalms/101-1 "Psalms 101:1 - A Song of Steadfast Love and Justice"). The psalm then transitions into a series of personal resolutions: to walk blamelessly, as he vows in [Psalms 101:2](/psalms/101-2 "Psalms 101:2 - Walking in Integrity"); to reject evil thoughts and actions, highlighted in [Psalms 101:3](/psalms/101-3 "Psalms 101:3 - Hating Evil"); to distance himself from perverse hearts, as seen in [Psalms 101:4](/psalms/101-4 "Psalms 101:4 - Rejecting the Perverse"); and to surround himself with faithful individuals, a principle found in [Psalms 101:6](/psalms/101-6 "Psalms 101:6 - Seeking the Faithful"). Verse 8, therefore, serves as the climactic declaration of his proactive and decisive approach to maintaining the moral and spiritual purity of his administration and the nation, specifically targeting the capital city as the epicenter of his righteous reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, likely early in his reign as king over all Israel, Psalm 101 reflects the immense responsibility he felt to govern according to God's standards. Jerusalem, newly established as the capital and soon to house the Ark of the Covenant, was becoming "the city of the LORD," a spiritual and political hub. In ancient Near Eastern kingship, the ruler was often seen as the embodiment of justice and the guarantor of order. David's vow to "early destroy" wickedness aligns with the practice of "morning judgment" (as alluded to in the Hebrew word for "early"), where kings would hold court and administer justice promptly at the start of the day. This demonstrated vigilance and an immediate response to injustice, crucial for maintaining social order and reflecting divine righteousness in a society where justice was often swift and public.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Psalm 101](/psalms/101 "Psalm 101 - A King's Vow of Integrity") is **righteous governance** and the **king's personal integrity** as the foundation for national well-being. David understands that his rule is not merely political but also deeply spiritual, requiring a commitment to God's moral law. This psalm highlights the theme of **active justice**, where the king does not merely avoid evil but actively purges it from his realm, demonstrating a zeal for God's holiness. Furthermore, the emphasis on "the city of the LORD" underscores the theme of **Zion's purity** and its role as a spiritual beacon. David's desire is for Jerusalem to be a city that truly reflects the character of the God who dwells there, free from the corrupting influence of "wicked doers," thus contributing to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for a holy people in a holy land, as seen throughout the Law and Prophets, such as in [Deuteronomy 16:20](/deuteronomy/16-20 "Deuteronomy 16:20 - Justice, and only Justice") or [Isaiah 1:26](/isaiah/1-26 "Isaiah 1:26 - Righteous Judges for Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Early (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1242, meaning "dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning." This word signifies promptness, vigilance, and decisiveness. David's intention is not to delay justice or allow wickedness to fester, but to address it immediately, as a king would begin his day with administrative duties and judgments. It conveys a sense of consistent, proactive vigilance rather than reactive, delayed intervention.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _tsâmath'_):** From H6789, meaning "to extirpate (literally or figuratively); consume, cut off, destroy, vanish." In this context, it implies a complete and utter eradication of the wicked. It's not merely about punishing but about removing the presence and influence of evil from the land, ensuring it no longer corrupts the moral fabric of society.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** From H3772, meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant." Here, in its destructive sense, it emphasizes a decisive separation and removal of "wicked doers" from the community, particularly from Jerusalem. It suggests a surgical precision in excising the cancerous elements from the body politic, ensuring they can no longer harm or defile "the city of the LORD."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will early destroy all the wicked of the land;":** This first clause is a strong personal vow by King David. The "I will" emphasizes his personal commitment and responsibility as the divinely appointed ruler. "Early" (morning) highlights his intention for prompt, vigilant, and consistent action against evil. "Destroy" signifies a radical removal, not just suppression. "All the wicked of the land" indicates a comprehensive purge, targeting every individual whose actions are contrary to God's righteous standards, wherever they may be found within his dominion.
* **"that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.":** This second clause reveals the ultimate purpose and specific focus of David's destructive action. The conjunction "that I may" expresses the goal: to purify the heart of the kingdom. "Cut off" reinforces the idea of decisive excision, severing the link between the wicked and the community. The phrase "all wicked doers" reiterates the comprehensive nature of this purge. Crucially, "the city of the LORD" refers to Jerusalem, which was becoming the spiritual and political capital. David's fervent desire was for this sacred city, God's chosen dwelling place, to be free from moral corruption, reflecting the holiness of its divine inhabitant.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 101:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey David's resolute commitment to justice. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as David declares he will "destroy all the wicked of the land" and "cut off all wicked doers." While expressing an absolute commitment to justice, it's understood as a strong rhetorical statement of intent rather than a literal claim of achieving perfect eradication of every single wicked person. This emphasizes the king's zeal and the severity of his stance against evil. **Metonymy** is evident in "the city of the LORD," where Jerusalem stands for the entire spiritual and governmental center of Israel, implying that the purification of the capital would have a ripple effect throughout the nation. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as a **Royal Vow** or **Pledge**, a formal declaration of principles and intentions, which is a common literary form in ancient Near Eastern kingship, underscoring the solemnity and binding nature of David's commitment before God and his people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 101:8 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that righteous governance is intrinsically linked to the active suppression of wickedness. It underscores the divine expectation for leaders to be instruments of God's justice, not merely by personal piety, but by ensuring that the societal structures and the very heart of the nation reflect God's holiness. David's zeal for purifying "the city of the LORD" prefigures the ultimate vision of a holy city, free from all defilement, a recurring theme in prophetic literature and the New Testament. This verse reminds us that God's kingdom is characterized by righteousness and that those who represent Him, whether kings or common believers, are called to contend against evil in their spheres of influence.

* [Proverbs 20:26](/proverbs/20-26 "Proverbs 20:26 - A Wise King Scatters the Wicked")
* [Isaiah 1:26](/isaiah/1-26 "Isaiah 1:26 - Restoration of Zion's Judges")
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Unclean Thing Enters New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Psalms 101:8 is a king's vow, its underlying principles of integrity, active justice, and the pursuit of purity resonate deeply with believers today. We are called not only to avoid evil personally but to actively contend against it in our spheres of influence, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. Just as David sought to purify his kingdom, we are to strive for personal holiness, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and to promote righteousness in a world often consumed by corruption. This verse challenges us to be vigilant, proactive, and uncompromising in our stand against sin, reflecting God's character in our daily lives and working towards a world that increasingly reflects the values of His coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or influence am I called to "early destroy" or "cut off" wickedness, whether it be a habit, an attitude, or an injustice?**
* **How does David's commitment to purify "the city of the LORD" inspire my own commitment to purity in my personal "temple" (my body and spirit) and in my community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to be more vigilant and proactive in upholding justice and righteousness in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "early destroy" mean in a practical sense for King David?**

Answer: For King David, "early destroy" (from the Hebrew word _bôqer_, meaning "morning") signifies a commitment to swift, decisive, and consistent administration of justice. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was common for kings to hold court and address legal matters first thing in the morning. Therefore, David's vow implies that he would not delay in confronting and rooting out wickedness. It speaks to a proactive and vigilant approach to governance, ensuring that corruption and unrighteousness were dealt with promptly, preventing them from festering and undermining the moral fabric of his kingdom, particularly in the critical administrative and spiritual center of [Jerusalem, the city of the LORD](/psalms/101-8 "Psalms 101:8 - The City of the LORD").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 101:8 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. While David, as an earthly monarch, could only aspire to purify his kingdom and "cut off all wicked doers," his efforts were limited by human imperfection and the pervasive nature of sin. Jesus, however, is the righteous King who truly "early destroys" all wickedness, not merely from a physical city, but from the hearts of His people and ultimately from the entire cosmos. His first advent initiated the spiritual cutting off of sin's dominion through His atoning sacrifice, as He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His second advent will bring the final and complete eradication of all evil, establishing a kingdom where "nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Unclean Thing Enters New Jerusalem")). Christ's reign is one of absolute righteousness and justice, where He will judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ's Future Judgment")) and ensure that His "city of the LORD," the New Jerusalem, is perfectly pure, a dwelling place for those who have been cleansed by His blood ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Thus, David's kingly vow is a prophetic echo of the perfect and complete purification accomplished by the King of kings.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 75:10

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; [but] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Jeremiah 21:12

O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver [him that is] spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

Proverbs 16:12

¶ [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

Proverbs 20:8

¶ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Psalms 48:8

¶ As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.

Psalms 46:4

[There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

Proverbs 20:26

¶ A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.