Psalms 109:15

Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Let them be before the LORD {H3068} continually {H8548}, that he may cut off {H3772} the memory {H2143} of them from the earth {H776}.

may they always be before ADONAI, so he can cut off all memory of them from the earth.

May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth.

Let them be before Jehovah continually, That he may cut off the memory of them from the earth;

Psalms 109:15 is a powerful and intense verse from an imprecatory psalm, where the psalmist, likely King David, expresses a fervent plea for divine judgment against his adversaries.

Context

Psalm 109 is one of the most striking of the "cursing psalms" or imprecatory psalms in the Bible. David, the presumed author, is deeply distressed, feeling unjustly persecuted, slandered, and betrayed by enemies who have returned evil for his good (Psalm 109:4-5). The preceding verses detail the specific curses David wishes upon his opponents, often using hyperbolic language common in ancient Near Eastern laments. This psalm is a raw outpouring of human pain and a cry for God to intervene and execute justice against those who maliciously harm the righteous. This plea reflects a fervent cry for divine justice and retribution, a theme woven throughout Scripture where ultimate vengeance belongs to God.

Meaning of the Verse

The verse "Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth" contains two key elements:

  • "Let them be before the LORD continually": This phrase signifies that the psalmist desires his enemies to be under God's constant scrutiny, not for blessing or favor, but for judgment. It implies that their wickedness should be perpetually exposed to the divine Judge, ensuring that their actions do not go unpunished.
  • "that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth": This is a severe imprecation, expressing a desire for the complete obliteration of their legacy and remembrance. In ancient cultures, a person's "memory" (Hebrew: zeker) was closely tied to their name, descendants, and reputation. To have one's memory cut off meant not just physical death, but also the loss of all honor, recognition, and the continuation of one's line. It was the ultimate disgrace, ensuring that their name and deeds would be forgotten or remembered only in shame, a stark contrast to the blessed memory of the righteous.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: The verse underscores the belief that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to the oppressed and hold the wicked accountable for their deeds.
  • Consequences of Wickedness: It highlights the severe consequences that the psalmist believes await those who relentlessly pursue evil and injustice.
  • God's Sovereignty: The psalmist appeals to God's ultimate power to determine the destiny and legacy of individuals, emphasizing His control over all earthly matters.
  • The Human Cry for Vindicaton: While challenging to modern sensibilities, these imprecatory prayers reveal the depth of human suffering and the longing for God to right wrongs when all other avenues fail.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "memory" is zeker (זֵכֶר), which refers to remembrance, memorial, or reputation. To "cut off the memory" (כָּרַת זֵכֶר) is a powerful idiom signifying utter destruction, not only of life but also of any lasting impact or positive remembrance. It implies a complete erasure from history and society's collective consciousness, often associated with the destruction of a family line or name.

Practical Application

While Christians are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44), Psalms 109:15 offers insight into the human experience of profound injustice and the biblical understanding that God does indeed see and will ultimately judge. It reminds us that:

  • There is a biblical basis for crying out to God in times of deep pain and injustice, trusting Him to be the ultimate arbiter.
  • God is sovereign over the destinies of individuals and nations; no one's actions or legacy are hidden from Him.
  • Ultimately, the fate of the wicked, in God's eyes, is to be forgotten or remembered only for their unrighteousness, while the righteous are remembered for their faith and deeds.

This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and His ultimate power to bring about retribution, even as it challenges believers to consider how they respond to personal grievances in light of Christ's teachings.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 34:16

    The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

  • Psalms 90:8

    Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret [sins] in the light of thy countenance.

  • Job 18:17

    His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.

  • Psalms 51:9

    Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

  • Psalms 109:13

    Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

  • Amos 8:7

    The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

  • Deuteronomy 32:34

    [Is] not this laid up in store with me, [and] sealed up among my treasures?

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