Psalms 9:5

Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

Thou hast rebuked {H1605} the heathen {H1471}, thou hast destroyed {H6} the wicked {H7563}, thou hast put out {H4229} their name {H8034} for ever {H5769} and ever {H5703}.

You rebuked the nations, destroyed the wicked, blotted out their name forever and ever.

You have rebuked the nations; You have destroyed the wicked; You have erased their name forever and ever.

Thou hast rebuked the nations, thou hast destroyed the wicked; Thou hast blotted out their name for ever and ever.

Commentary on Psalms 9:5 (KJV)

Psalms 9:5 reads, "Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever." This powerful verse from King David's psalm of thanksgiving celebrates God's righteous judgment and ultimate triumph over His enemies.

Context

Psalm 9 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving, likely penned by David after a significant victory over his adversaries. It begins with fervent worship for God's wonderful works and righteous judgment (verses 1-4). This verse specifically highlights God's active intervention in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice. The psalmist rejoices in God's past acts of deliverance and expresses confidence in His future vindication of the oppressed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse unequivocally declares God's role as the supreme Judge. He actively "rebukes" and "destroys" those who oppose Him and His people. This is a strong affirmation of divine justice, indicating that unrighteousness will not go unpunished.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: The term "heathen" (often referring to gentile nations or those who do not acknowledge God) underscores God's authority over all peoples and kingdoms. He is not just the God of Israel, but the sovereign ruler of the entire world, capable of bringing down even the most powerful nations.
  • The Permanence of God's Judgment: The phrase "hast put out their name for ever and ever" signifies a complete and irreversible destruction. In ancient cultures, a name represented one's identity, legacy, and memory. To "put out their name" meant to utterly obliterate their existence and any lasting remembrance, ensuring they leave no trace or inheritance behind. This emphasizes the finality of God's judgment against the wicked.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "rebuked" is ga'ar (גָּעַר), which implies a strong, authoritative reprimand or warning that leads to defeat and confusion for the enemy. It's an act of divine disapproval and command.
  • "Destroyed" comes from abad (אָבַד), meaning to perish, be lost, or be ruined. It speaks to the utter ruination of the wicked.
  • "Put out their name" translates the Hebrew machah sh'mam (מָחָה שְׁמָם). Machah means to wipe out, blot out, or erase. This imagery powerfully conveys the complete eradication of the wicked's memory and lineage, a severe form of judgment. This concept is also seen in other Old Testament passages concerning those who defy God, such as in Deuteronomy 29:20.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalms 9:5 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reinforces the truth that God is a just God who sees injustice and will ultimately execute perfect judgment. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while evil may seem to prevail temporarily, God is on His throne, actively intervening to bring about His purposes. It encourages us to trust in His righteous judgment and to live righteously, knowing that those who oppose God will face ultimate ruin. Conversely, it serves as a sobering warning to those who live in rebellion against God, highlighting the severe and eternal consequences of persistent wickedness. The ultimate triumph of God's justice gives hope to the oppressed and calls all to repentance and faith.

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.

  • Proverbs 10:7

    ¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

  • Revelation 19:15

    And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

  • Deuteronomy 9:14

    Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

  • Malachi 4:3

    And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Psalms 78:55

    He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

  • 2 Samuel 22:44

    Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me [to be] head of the heathen: a people [which] I knew not shall serve me.

  • 2 Samuel 22:46

    Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.

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