Psalms 5:10

KJV

Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Destroy {H816} thou them, O God {H430}; let them fall {H5307} by their own counsels {H4156}; cast them out {H5080} in the multitude {H7230} of their transgressions {H6588}; for they have rebelled {H4784} against thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, declare them guilty! Let them fall through their own intrigues, For their many crimes, throw them down; since they have rebelled against you.

Berean Standard Bible

Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own devices. Drive them out for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.

American Standard Version

Hold them guilty, O God; Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions; For they have rebelled against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 5:10 is a fervent imprecatory prayer by David, appealing to God for divine judgment against those who oppose His righteous ways. This verse encapsulates a deep reliance on God as the ultimate and righteous Judge, expressing a profound desire for His justice to prevail over the schemes and rebellion of the wicked. It is not merely a plea for personal vengeance but a call for God to vindicate His own character and moral order in the face of deliberate defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 5 is a morning prayer, opening with David's earnest cry for God to hear his voice at dawn ( [Psalms 5:1-3](/psalms/5-1 "Psalms 5:1-3 - David's Morning Prayer")). The psalm quickly transitions from a personal lament and plea for guidance to a stark contrast between the righteous, whom God favors, and the wicked, whom God abhors ( [Psalms 5:4-6](/psalms/5-4 "Psalms 5:4-6 - God's Hatred of Evil")). David then asks for God's leading and protection from his enemies ( [Psalms 5:7-9](/psalms/5-7 "Psalms 5:7-9 - A Plea for Guidance and Protection")), culminating in the strong imprecation of verse 10, followed by a final declaration of trust and blessing for the righteous ( [Psalms 5:11-12](/psalms/5-11 "Psalms 5:11-12 - Blessing for the Righteous")). This verse, therefore, serves as the climax of David's appeal for divine intervention against those who actively plot evil.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalm 5 likely reflects a period of intense personal or national distress, where David faced significant opposition from those who were not only his personal adversaries but also enemies of God's established order. In ancient Israel, kings were seen as God's anointed representatives, and rebellion against the king was often equated with rebellion against God (cf. [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - Rejecting God's Rule")). The concept of divine justice was central to Israelite worldview, where God was expected to intervene directly in human affairs to uphold righteousness and punish wickedness. Such prayers for divine judgment were a common feature of the ancient Near East, but in Israel, they were rooted in the covenant relationship with a holy God who would not tolerate unrepentant sin and rebellion.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 5:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, portraying God as the ultimate arbiter who will not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely. David's plea is an act of faith in God's righteous character, trusting Him to execute judgment when human systems fail. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion and Transgression**, emphasizing that the downfall of the wicked is a direct result of their own "counsels" and "multitude of their transgressions." This reinforces the biblical principle that sin, particularly deliberate rebellion against God, carries inherent and devastating consequences, leading to ruin, a concept echoed in passages like [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom") and [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Lastly, it affirms **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over human affairs, demonstrating that He is actively involved in upholding His moral order and vindicating those who trust in Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destroy (אבד, _'abad'_):** This Hebrew verb signifies to perish, be lost, or be ruined. In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it means "to cause to perish," "to destroy," or "to bring to naught." It conveys a sense of utter ruin or complete downfall, not necessarily annihilation but a state of being utterly undone or rendered ineffective. David is asking God to bring about a decisive and comprehensive end to the power and influence of his enemies.
* **Counsels (מועצות, _mo'atsot'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to advise" or "to counsel," this plural noun refers to their schemes, plans, or plots. The phrase "let them fall by their own counsels" is a powerful image, suggesting that the wicked will be ensnared and undone by the very devious designs and strategies they concoct to harm others or defy God. Their own self-serving wisdom will become their undoing.
* **Rebelled (מרדו, _maradu'_):** This strong verb denotes open defiance, disobedience, and revolt against authority. When applied to God, as it is here, it signifies a deliberate, willful, and active rejection of God's commands, character, and sovereign rule. It's not merely a mistake or a lapse, but a conscious act of insurrection against the divine King, providing the ultimate justification for David's plea for divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Destroy thou them, O God;":** This is a direct, fervent petition to God, invoking His power and authority as the supreme Judge. David is not taking vengeance into his own hands but is appealing to the divine prerogative to execute justice. The imperative "Destroy" reflects the psalmist's intense desire for God to decisively intervene against the forces of wickedness.
* **"let them fall by their own counsels;":** This clause specifies the manner of their destruction. David prays that the wicked's downfall would be a direct consequence of their own malicious schemes and self-serving plans. It implies a divine irony where the very plots intended to cause harm or secure power will boomerang, leading to their own ruin. This highlights God's ability to turn the tables on the wicked.
* **"cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions;":** This phrase further details the basis and extent of the judgment. "Cast them out" suggests expulsion from God's presence, favor, or from the community of the righteous. The justification is "the multitude of their transgressions," emphasizing that their accumulated and pervasive sins warrant this severe divine action. It's not for a single misstep but for a pattern of rebellion.
* **"for they have rebelled against thee.":** This final clause provides the ultimate theological rationale for the entire imprecation. The enemies are not merely David's personal adversaries; their actions constitute a direct and deliberate rebellion against God Himself. This elevates the conflict from a personal grievance to a cosmic battle against divine authority, making God's intervention a necessary act of upholding His own holiness and sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 5:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, a prayer invoking a curse or divine judgment upon enemies, which is characteristic of certain psalms. This is not merely an expression of anger but a theological statement rooted in a belief in God's active justice. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and synthetic parallelism, where clauses reinforce or expand upon each other ("Destroy thou them... let them fall"; "cast them out... for they have rebelled"). This repetition and development intensify the plea. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Personification** in "let them fall by their own counsels," where the abstract "counsels" are depicted as active agents of the wicked's undoing. Finally, the phrase "multitude of their transgressions" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming extent of the enemies' sinfulness, justifying the severity of the requested judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 5:10, while an imprecatory prayer, deeply affirms core biblical truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores that God is not indifferent to evil but is a righteous Judge who will ultimately hold all rebellion and transgression accountable. The psalmist's plea is an expression of faith in God's justice, trusting that He will vindicate His own name and moral order. It also highlights the inherent consequences of sin; those who persistently rebel against God and devise wicked schemes will inevitably face ruin, often by their own hand, as God allows their evil to consume them. This serves as a powerful reminder that while God is merciful, His justice is also certain and inescapable for the unrepentant.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit Dug by the Wicked")
* [Isaiah 1:28](/isaiah/1-28 "Isaiah 1:28 - Destruction of Rebels and Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 5:10 challenges believers to grapple with the reality of divine justice and the consequences of rebellion against God. While the New Testament calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us ( [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), this psalm reminds us that there is a righteous indignation against evil that is rooted in God's own character. It encourages us to trust God as the ultimate Judge, especially when we witness injustice or face opposition from those who defy God's ways. Our prayers should reflect a desire for God's glory and righteousness to be upheld, even if it means His judgment falls upon unrepentant wickedness. This perspective shifts the focus from personal revenge to a longing for God's redemptive justice, where evil is ultimately overcome and His kingdom prevails. It also serves as a stark warning: persistent rebellion against God's truth and deliberate transgression lead to inevitable ruin, a path we must earnestly avoid and help others turn from.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as a righteous Judge, as portrayed in Psalms 5:10, shape your view of His character?**
* **In what situations might it be appropriate to pray for God's justice to prevail, even against those who oppose His will?**
* **How can we reconcile the imprecatory nature of this psalm with the New Testament command to love our enemies?**
* **What does "falling by their own counsels" mean for our own lives, and how can we ensure our plans align with God's will?**

### FAQ

**Are imprecatory psalms, like Psalms 5:10, expressions of personal revenge?**

Answer: No, imprecatory psalms are not expressions of personal revenge in the sense of a believer taking matters into their own hands or harboring personal malice. Instead, they are fervent appeals to God's divine justice. The psalmist, often a king or a representative of God's people, is appealing to God as the ultimate Judge to vindicate His own righteousness and moral order against those who actively rebel against Him. The focus is on God's glory and the establishment of His justice, not on the psalmist's personal vendetta. David consistently leaves judgment to God, as seen when he spares Saul's life ( [1 Samuel 24:1-7](/1_samuel/24-1 "1 Samuel 24:1-7 - David Spares Saul")).

**How do these imprecatory prayers align with New Testament teachings on love for enemies?**

Answer: This is a crucial tension to navigate. The New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus (e.g., [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and [Luke 6:27-28](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies")), clearly calls believers to love their enemies, pray for them, and bless those who curse them. This represents a higher ethic revealed in Christ. While Old Testament imprecations express a righteous desire for justice, the New Testament emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love, leaving ultimate judgment to God's timing and Christ's return ( [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")). Believers are called to embody the character of Christ, who prayed for His persecutors even on the cross ( [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Persecutors")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 5:10, with its fervent plea for divine justice against rebellion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While David prayed for God to destroy his enemies, Jesus, the perfect Son of God, faced the ultimate rebellion and injustice, yet responded with self-sacrificial love. 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"), bearing the "multitude of transgressions" upon Himself, thereby satisfying God's righteous wrath against sin ( [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). In His first coming, Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it ( [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")), even praying for His executioners: "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Persecutors")". However, Psalms 5:10 also foreshadows Christ's role as the righteous Judge at His second coming. On that day, He will indeed "destroy" and "cast out" those who have persistently "rebelled against God," bringing their "counsels" to naught as they face the just consequences of their unrepentant sin ( [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Warrior King") and [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Christ embodies both the mercy that offers salvation from judgment and the divine authority that will ultimately execute perfect justice.

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

Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

2 Samuel 17:14

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite [is] better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

Psalms 71:13

Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

1 Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

Psalms 31:18

Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

2 Samuel 15:31

¶ And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.