Psalms 145:20

KJV

The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} preserveth {H8104} all them that love {H157} him: but all the wicked {H7563} will he destroy {H8045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI protects all who love him, but all the wicked he destroys.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

American Standard Version

Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; But all the wicked will he destroy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:20 encapsulates a profound dual declaration of divine character: the LORD's unwavering commitment to preserve those who genuinely love Him, contrasted sharply with His righteous and decisive judgment against the wicked. This verse serves as a powerful summary of God's active involvement in human affairs, affirming His covenant faithfulness to His people while simultaneously asserting His ultimate authority and justice over all who oppose His ways. It highlights the distinct and eternally divergent destinies awaiting those who align themselves with God and those who persist in rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 stands as a magnificent "Psalm of Praise" (Hebrew: _Tehillah_), uniquely designated as such in the Masoretic Text and attributed to David. It is an acrostic psalm, with each verse typically beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though one letter, Nun, is absent in the Masoretic Text but present in the Septuagint). The entire psalm is a comprehensive hymn celebrating God's boundless greatness, His majestic kingdom, His compassionate character, and His unfailing faithfulness. Verses immediately preceding verse 20 emphasize God's intimate accessibility, declaring that "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth" [Psalms 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalms 145:18 - God is Nigh"). Furthermore, He "will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them" [Psalms 145:19](/psalms/145-19 "Psalms 145:19 - God Fulfills Desires"). In this rich tapestry of praise, verse 20 serves as a climactic summary, affirming God's active and decisive role in upholding the righteous and executing justice upon the unrighteous, thereby reinforcing the themes of divine sovereignty and moral order that permeate the entire composition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As a psalm attributed to David, Psalm 145 reflects the theological understanding and societal norms of ancient Israelite kingship and covenant relationship with God. In a world often characterized by arbitrary power and fleeting human alliances, the psalm presents Yahweh as the eternally stable, just, and benevolent King. The concept of "love" for God (H157) in this context is not merely an emotion but a covenantal loyalty, expressed through obedience to His commands and devotion to His ways, much like the commitment expected within a solemn treaty. Conversely, "the wicked" (H7563) were understood not just as those who commit isolated sins, but as those whose lives are characterized by an active rebellion against God's established moral order and His covenant stipulations. The assurance of divine preservation for the righteous and destruction for the wicked was a foundational tenet of Israelite theology, providing both comfort and a call to ethical living within a society that often witnessed injustice and oppression.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout Psalm 145 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's absolute control over the destinies of humanity, capable of both preserving and destroying. Secondly, it highlights **God's Righteousness and Justice**, demonstrating that His character demands a clear distinction between good and evil, and that He will ultimately bring about a just recompense for all actions. This is a consistent theme, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is Just") which declares God to be "a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Covenantal Nature of God's Relationship with Humanity**, particularly the conditionality of His preservation upon a genuine, active love for Him. This love is depicted as the appropriate response to God's inherent goodness and faithfulness, themes extensively explored in [Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalms 145:9 - God is Good to All"). Finally, it presents a stark **Contrast Between the Destinies of the Righteous and the Wicked**, a recurring motif throughout the Psalms and wisdom literature, underscoring the eternal consequences of one's alignment with or rebellion against God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. From the primitive root "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of YHWH here emphasizes that it is the personal, unchanging, and faithful God of Israel who is the subject of both preservation and destruction, underscoring His unique authority and commitment to His covenant people.
* **preserveth (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." This word conveys active, diligent, and watchful care. It implies a comprehensive safeguarding, not merely passive observation, but an intentional keeping, much like a shepherd guards his flock or a watchman protects a city. It speaks to God's vigilant and constant protection over those who are His.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "morally wrong," this term concretely describes "an (actively) bad person." It denotes those who are guilty, ungodly, or unrighteous, characterized by a persistent pattern of rebellion against God's law and a disregard for moral uprightness. This is not about isolated sins, but a state of being and a chosen path of life that is contrary to God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD preserveth all them that love him:"** This clause declares God's active and protective care over a specific group: those who love Him. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is the subject, indicating His personal involvement. The verb "preserveth" (H8104, _shâmar_) implies a watchful, guarding, and keeping action, ensuring their safety and well-being in a holistic sense—physically, spiritually, and eternally. The condition for this preservation is "love him" (H157, _ʼâhab_), which in a covenantal context signifies not just affection, but loyal devotion, obedience, and faithfulness to God. This is a promise of divine faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him.
* **"but all the wicked will he destroy."** This second clause presents a stark and absolute contrast to the first, highlighting God's righteous judgment. "But" signals the antithesis. "All the wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_) refers to those whose lives are characterized by active rebellion against God and His moral order. The verb "destroy" (H8045, _shâmad_) is a strong, decisive term meaning "to desolate," "annihilate," or "utterly wipe out." It conveys the finality and severity of God's judgment against persistent evil, emphasizing that unrepentant wickedness will not go unpunished and will ultimately face complete eradication from His presence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the two clauses present opposing ideas in a balanced structure: "The LORD preserveth all them that love him" is set directly against "but all the wicked will he destroy." This stark **Contrast** effectively highlights the binary outcome of human choices—either alignment with God leading to preservation, or rebellion leading to destruction. This structure not only clarifies the message but also intensifies its impact, emphasizing the absolute distinction between the righteous and the wicked in God's eyes. Furthermore, the verse uses **Divine Attributes** to define God's character: His **Faithfulness** and **Compassion** are evident in His preservation of those who love Him, while His **Justice** and **Righteousness** are demonstrated in His judgment against the wicked. The use of "all" in both clauses ("all them that love him," "all the wicked") serves as an **Amplifier**, stressing the comprehensive and universal nature of God's actions towards these two distinct groups.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:20 profoundly articulates God's moral governance of the universe, affirming His unwavering commitment to justice and His steadfast faithfulness. Theologically, it underscores that God is not indifferent to human conduct; rather, He actively engages with humanity based on their relationship to Him. His preservation is a manifestation of His covenant love and faithfulness towards those who reciprocate His love through obedience and devotion. Conversely, His destruction of the wicked is a necessary expression of His holiness and righteousness, demonstrating that evil cannot ultimately stand in His presence. This verse thus speaks to the inherent moral order of creation, where the ultimate destiny of individuals is determined by their posture towards the divine, leading either to life and security in God's care or to judgment and ruin outside of it. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is both a loving Father and a righteous Judge.

* [Proverbs 2:8](/proverbs/2-8 "Proverbs 2:8 - God Guards the Paths of Justice")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6-8 - God Renders to Each According to Their Deeds")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:20 offers both profound comfort and a solemn challenge for believers today. For those who genuinely love the LORD, it serves as an enduring promise of divine preservation. This is not merely a passive state but an active, vigilant guarding by God over every aspect of their lives—spiritual, emotional, and physical. In a world fraught with uncertainty, this truth anchors our hope, reminding us that our ultimate security rests in the preserving hand of a faithful God who has bound Himself to us in love. It calls us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own love for Him, recognizing that such love is demonstrated not just in sentiment but in devoted obedience and trust. Conversely, the verse stands as a stark warning to those who persist in wickedness, reminding us that God's patience is not infinite and His justice is absolute. It compels us to consider the eternal consequences of our choices and to turn from any path of rebellion, embracing the life-giving relationship offered through Him. This dual declaration urges us to live lives that reflect our love for God, knowing that our ultimate destiny is inextricably linked to our response to His sovereign call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God's preservation in your life, and how does that deepen your love for Him?**
* **How does the promise of God's preservation for those who love Him influence your daily fears and anxieties?**
* **What does "loving the LORD" practically look like in your life, beyond mere emotion?**
* **How does the reality of God's judgment on the wicked shape your understanding of His character and your call to live righteously?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be aligning with "the wicked" rather than "them that love Him," and what steps can you take to reorient yourself?**

### FAQ
**Does "destroy" mean annihilation for the wicked?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "destroy" (H8045, _shâmad_) in Psalms 145:20 is a strong verb meaning "to desolate," "annihilate," or "utterly wipe out." In the Old Testament, it often refers to the complete eradication of a people or a city, signifying a decisive and final end. While the Old Testament doesn't always explicitly detail the precise nature of post-mortem judgment as extensively as the New Testament, the term implies a complete and irreversible separation from God's favor and presence, leading to ultimate ruin. New Testament passages like [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment") and [Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14-15 - The Lake of Fire") further elaborate on this "destruction" as eternal punishment and separation, often described as the "second death," which is a state of utter ruin and condemnation, rather than mere non-existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of one who perfectly "loved the LORD" in His earthly life, demonstrating complete obedience and devotion to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([John 14:31](/john/14-31 "John 14:31 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father")). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the means by which God "preserves all them that love him." Those who place their faith in Christ are united with Him, and His righteousness is imputed to them, securing their eternal preservation from sin's dominion and God's wrath ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that none whom the Father has given Him will be lost ([John 10:27-29](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Conversely, Jesus is also the one through whom "all the wicked will he destroy." He is appointed by God as the ultimate Judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day to Judge the World by a Man")). At His second coming, He will execute righteous judgment upon all who have rejected Him and persisted in their wickedness, bringing about their final and complete destruction, separating them eternally from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - The Lord Jesus Revealed From Heaven")). Thus, Christ embodies both the preserving love of God for His elect and the destructive justice of God against His enemies, fulfilling the dual declaration of this psalm in His person and mission.

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

Exodus 20:6

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Psalms 97:10

Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalms 31:23

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.