Psalms 104:35

KJV

Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the sinners {H2400} be consumed {H8552} out of the earth {H776}, and let the wicked {H7563} be no more. Bless {H1288} thou the LORD {H3068}, O my soul {H5315}. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more! Bless ADONAI, my soul! Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

May sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

Let sinners be consumed out of the earth. And let the wicked be no more. Bless Jehovah, O my soul. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:35 concludes a magnificent hymn of creation and divine providence with a striking juxtaposition: a fervent prayer for the eradication of the wicked from the earth, immediately followed by an emphatic, personal, and communal call to bless and praise the Lord. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's deep longing for God's ultimate justice to prevail in a world marred by sin, while simultaneously redirecting focus to the unceasing worship due to the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of persistent evil, the believer's ultimate response and hope remain anchored in the adoration of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a grand hymn of praise, celebrating Yahweh as the majestic Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. It meticulously details God's work from the heavens and light in [verses 1-4](/psalms/104-1 "Psalm 104:1-4 - God's Majesty and Light"), to the earth's foundations and waters in [verses 5-9](/psalms/104-5 "Psalm 104:5-9 - The Earth's Foundations and Waters"), and His provision for all living creatures—from springs and trees to wild animals and humans—in [verses 10-23](/psalms/104-10 "Psalm 104:10-23 - God's Provision for All Life"). The psalm then marvels at the sea and its inhabitants in [verses 24-26](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24-26 - The Wonders of the Sea"), before culminating in a reflection on God's sovereign control over life and death in [verses 27-30](/psalms/104-27 "Psalm 104:27-30 - God Sustains and Renews Life"). The psalmist expresses a desire for God's glory to endure forever and for Him to rejoice in His works in [verses 31-34](/psalms/104-31 "Psalm 104:31-34 - God's Enduring Glory and Joy"). Verse 35, therefore, serves as an abrupt but impactful shift, introducing the problem of human wickedness into this otherwise pristine picture of divine order, before resolving the tension with a renewed call to worship. It acts as a concluding doxology, not just for Psalm 104, but also anticipating the "Hallelujah Psalms" that follow in the Psalter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period when the people of Israel faced internal or external threats from those who disregarded God's law, this psalm reflects a common Old Testament tension between the ideal of God's righteous rule and the reality of human sin and injustice. The psalmist, living within a covenant community, understood God as both the benevolent Creator who provides for all creation and the righteous Judge who will ultimately deal with evil. The concept of "sinners" and "wicked" refers not merely to those who commit isolated acts of wrongdoing, but to those whose lives are characterized by persistent rebellion against God and His established order, often oppressing the righteous. The desire for their removal is not a personal vendetta but an expression of longing for the restoration of divine justice and the full manifestation of God's kingdom on earth, where His praise can be unhindered. This reflects a worldview where the well-being of the cosmos is intrinsically linked to the moral order established by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**. While God's benevolence is celebrated throughout the psalm, verse 35 reminds us that His rule also entails judgment against those who persistently oppose His will, affirming His ultimate control over the fate of humanity and creation. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's righteous governance, as seen in passages like [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Unceasing Worship and the Priority of Praise**. Despite the presence of evil, the psalmist's ultimate response is not despair but a renewed commitment to worship. The concluding "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah) serves as a powerful testament to the enduring call to praise God, regardless of circumstances, a theme that reverberates throughout the entire book of Psalms, especially in the final "Hallelujah Psalms" from [Psalm 146](/psalms/146 "Psalm 146 - Praise the Lord, My Soul") to [Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord!"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **The Purity of Creation and the Removal of Corruption**. The psalmist's vision of a world where God's glory endures and He rejoices in His works naturally leads to a desire for the removal of elements that corrupt or oppose that divine order, anticipating a future state of perfect harmony and righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _tamam'_):** This verb signifies "to be finished," "to be completed," "to come to an end," or "to be utterly destroyed." In this context, it implies a definitive and thorough removal or eradication of the wicked, not merely a temporary setback or a partial diminution. It speaks to the finality of divine judgment against persistent rebellion, ensuring that evil no longer corrupts the earth.
* **Bless (Hebrew, _barak'_):** The imperative "Bless thou" (from _barak_) means to "kneel," "to praise," "to adore," or "to give thanks." When directed towards God, it denotes an act of reverential homage and grateful acknowledgment of His majesty, goodness, and power. It is a deep, heartfelt expression of worship, stemming from the innermost being.
* **Praise ye the LORD (Hebrew, _Hallelujah'_):** This iconic phrase is a compound of _Hallelu_ (the imperative plural of _halal_, meaning "to praise," "to boast," "to shine") and _Yah_ (a shortened, poetic form of Yahweh, God's personal covenant name). It is a universal, communal call to praise Yahweh, inviting all to join in exalting the one true God. Its appearance here is significant as the first instance of "Hallelujah" in the Psalter, setting the stage for its frequent use in the concluding psalms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth":** This clause expresses a strong imprecatory desire for divine justice. "Sinners" (Hebrew, _chatta'im_) refers to those who habitually miss the mark of God's law, living in active rebellion against Him. The plea for them to be "consumed" from the earth reflects a longing for the complete eradication of evil and its practitioners, so that the earth, God's creation, might be fully restored to its intended state of righteousness and harmony. It is a prayer for God's kingdom to come, where all opposition to His rule is removed.
* **"and let the wicked be no more":** This parallel clause reiterates and intensifies the preceding thought. "Wicked" (Hebrew, _resha'im_) describes those who are morally corrupt, guilty, and actively engaged in injustice or godlessness. The desire for them to "be no more" emphasizes a yearning for a world utterly free from the presence and influence of evil, allowing for unhindered worship and the full flourishing of God's benevolent creation.
* **"Bless thou the LORD, O my soul":** This marks a dramatic shift from imprecation to adoration. The psalmist turns inward, addressing his own "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_), the seat of his being, emotions, and will. This is a deeply personal and intentional act of worship, commanding his entire inner self to offer praise and thanksgiving to Yahweh. It is a declaration that despite the reality of evil, the ultimate focus and response of the believer must be profound adoration for God.
* **"Praise ye the LORD":** This concluding exclamation, "Hallelujah," serves as a communal invitation and a triumphant doxology. Following the personal commitment to worship, it expands the call to include all who hear, urging them to join in the praise of Yahweh. Its placement at the very end of this majestic psalm of creation underscores that the ultimate purpose of all creation, and the final response to God's glorious works and righteous judgment, is unceasing, corporate praise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, as the psalmist abruptly shifts from a prayer for the destruction of the wicked to an exuberant call to praise God. This stark contrast highlights the dual aspects of God's character (justice and goodness) and the appropriate human response to both. The opening clauses, "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more," constitute an **Imprecation**, a prayer for divine judgment upon the unrighteous. This is not personal vengeance but an appeal to God's righteous character to uphold His cosmic order. Finally, the psalm concludes with an **Inclusio** (or framing device) with other psalms, as the phrase "Bless thou the LORD, O my soul" echoes the beginning of [Psalm 103](/psalms/103 "Psalm 103 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul"), and "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah) anticipates the "Hallelujah Psalms" (146-150), effectively linking this psalm to a larger thematic movement within the Psalter that culminates in unceasing praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:35 masterfully weaves together the themes of divine justice and unceasing worship, asserting that God's ultimate triumph over evil will usher in an era of unhindered praise. The psalmist's desire for the consumption of the wicked is not a call for human vengeance but a profound longing for God's righteous reign to be fully established, where all that opposes His perfect order is removed. This conviction is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty, where His benevolent creation must ultimately be purged of all corruption. The immediate pivot to "Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD" serves as a powerful theological statement: even in the face of present evil, the believer's primary focus and ultimate hope remain fixed on God, whose worthiness of praise transcends all earthly circumstances. It is a declaration that God's glory will ultimately prevail, and His people will forever respond in adoration.

* [Psalms 37:9-10](/psalms/37-9 "Psalm 37:9-10 - The Wicked Shall Be Cut Off") - "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be."
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People") - "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
* [Psalms 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Let Everything Praise the Lord") - "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. First, it validates our deep-seated longing for justice in a world often overwhelmed by sin and suffering. While we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, this verse reminds us that it is righteous to desire God's ultimate triumph over evil, trusting that He will, in His perfect timing, bring an end to all wickedness. This is not a license for personal vengeance but a prayer for the full manifestation of God's kingdom. Second, and perhaps more critically, the verse pivots our attention from the problem of evil to the preeminence of God's glory. No matter how pervasive or disheartening the presence of sin may be, our ultimate response must always be to "Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD." This encourages a radical reorientation of our focus, cultivating a heart of worship that transcends circumstances, finds its joy in God's majesty, and trusts in His sovereign plan to redeem and restore all things. It calls us to live lives of unceasing praise, even as we faithfully await the day when all wickedness is consumed and God's glory fills the earth unhindered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's prayer for the consumption of the wicked align with or challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways does the immediate shift from imprecation to praise in this verse inform your own spiritual response to the presence of evil in the world?**
* **What does it mean for your "soul" to "bless the LORD," and how can you cultivate a more intentional and consistent practice of personal worship?**
* **Considering the communal call "Praise ye the LORD," how can you contribute to fostering a culture of corporate worship and adoration within your community?**

### FAQ
**Is the psalmist's prayer for the destruction of the wicked a call for personal vengeance?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's prayer in [Psalms 104:35](/psalms/104-35 "Psalm 104:35 - Let the Sinners Be Consumed") is not a call for personal vengeance, nor does it advocate for believers to take justice into their own hands. Instead, it is an "imprecatory prayer," a common feature in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 7](/psalms/7 "Psalm 7 - A Prayer for Justice") or [Psalm 35](/psalms/35 "Psalm 35 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies")). Such prayers express a deep longing for God's ultimate justice to prevail and for His righteous kingdom to be fully established. They reflect a trust in God as the sovereign Judge who will, in His perfect timing and way, deal with all unrighteousness and bring an end to all that opposes His benevolent rule. It is a cry for the restoration of divine order, where God's glory can be fully and unhinderedly praised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:35 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's longing for the "sinners to be consumed out of the earth" and the "wicked to be no more" is ultimately addressed by Christ's redemptive work and His future return. While the Old Testament often portrays God's judgment as a direct removal, the New Testament reveals that God's primary response to sin is through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, who came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ has conquered sin and death, offering a path for sinners to be transformed rather than merely consumed. However, the verse also foreshadows Christ's second coming, when He will indeed "put down all rule and all authority and power" ([1 Corinthians 15:24](/1_corinthians/15-24 "1 Corinthians 15:24 - Christ's Final Reign")), and ultimately "destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). In that final consummation, all wickedness will indeed "be no more," and a new heavens and new earth will emerge where "righteousness dwells" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). The call to "Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD" finds its highest expression in the worship of the Lamb, who is worthy of all praise because He has redeemed us by His blood ([Revelation 5:9-13](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-13 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Thus, the psalm's concluding doxology points forward to the eternal praise that will be offered to God and to the Lamb in a perfectly restored creation, free from the stain of sin.

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 37:38

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psalms 103:22

Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 104:1

¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Psalms 68:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

Psalms 68:2

As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.