Psalms 9:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 9:5 powerfully declares God's decisive and irreversible judgment against those who oppose His divine will and people. It celebrates the Lord's righteous indignation and active intervention in human affairs, asserting His sovereign authority to rebuke and utterly destroy the wicked, ensuring that their name, legacy, and influence are completely eradicated for all eternity. This verse serves as both a profound assurance of divine justice for the oppressed and a stark warning to the unrighteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, often considered a single literary unit with Psalm 10 due to shared themes and an acrostic structure (though imperfect in the Masoretic Text). It opens with the psalmist's fervent worship for God's marvelous works and righteous judgment, particularly in delivering him from his enemies ([Psalms 9:1-4](/psalms/9-1 "Psalm 9:1-4 - Praise for God's Justice")). This verse stands as a strong declaration of God's past and present active role in executing justice. The psalm then transitions to a confident affirmation of God's eternal reign as judge over all nations ([Psalms 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God as Eternal Judge")), anticipating future vindication for the afflicted and oppressed. The psalmist's personal experience of deliverance becomes a universal declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) carried immense significance, representing one's identity, reputation, lineage, and lasting legacy. To "put out their name" was the ultimate form of annihilation, signifying not just physical death but the complete erasure of memory, influence, and any future progeny or remembrance. The "heathen" (Hebrew: *goyim*) refers to the gentile nations, often those hostile to Israel and the God of Israel. Throughout Israel's history, they faced constant threats from surrounding idolatrous empires. In a world where human justice was often corrupt or unattainable, the declaration of God's active judgment provided immense comfort and hope to the oppressed and a powerful deterrent against wickedness, affirming that no earthly power could ultimately defy the sovereign Lord.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative.
* **Divine Judgment and Retribution:** The verse unequivocally establishes God as the supreme and active Judge. He is not a passive observer but one who "rebukes" and "destroys" those who oppose His righteous order. This theme underscores that unrighteousness and rebellion against God will not go unpunished, affirming God's moral governance of the world, as seen in [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge").
* **God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** By declaring God's judgment upon "the heathen," the psalmist emphasizes God's universal authority. He is not merely the God of Israel but the sovereign ruler over all peoples and kingdoms, capable of bringing down even the most powerful nations and empires. This truth is foundational to understanding God's overarching plan for humanity, as declared in [Psalm 47:8](/psalms/47-8 "Psalm 47:8 - God Reigns Over the Nations").
* **The Permanence of God's Judgment:** The phrase "hast put out their name for ever and ever" signifies a complete, irreversible, and eternal destruction of the wicked's identity and legacy. It highlights the finality of divine justice, ensuring that those who defy God will leave no lasting trace or inheritance, a concept that resonates with the ultimate consequences described in [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebuked (Hebrew, _ga'ar'_):** This verb implies a strong, authoritative reprimand, a divine command that brings about confusion, dismay, and ultimately defeat for the enemy. It is not merely a verbal scolding but an act of powerful intervention by God that causes the wicked to stumble and fall.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _'abad'_):** This word signifies to perish, be lost, or be ruined. It speaks to the utter ruination, cessation of existence, or complete demise of the wicked. It is a comprehensive term for their undoing, indicating a state of being utterly undone and brought to nothing.
* **Put out their name (Hebrew, _machah sh'mam'_):** This powerful idiom combines *machah* (to wipe out, blot out, erase) with *shem* (name). It conveys the complete eradication of one's identity, reputation, memory, and lineage. In ancient thought, to have one's name "put out" meant to be utterly forgotten, to have no descendants, and to leave no lasting mark or legacy, the most severe form of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast rebuked the heathen":** This clause emphasizes God's active and authoritative confrontation with the nations or individuals who oppose Him and His covenant people. The "heathen" are those who operate outside of God's divine order, often engaging in idolatry and injustice. God's rebuke is not a mere word but a powerful act that sets in motion their downfall.
* **"thou hast destroyed the wicked":** Following the rebuke, this clause describes the inevitable consequence: the utter ruin and demise of those who persistently pursue evil. The "wicked" are those characterized by unrighteousness, oppression, and rebellion against God. God's justice ensures their complete undoing.
* **"thou hast put out their name for ever and ever":** This final clause underscores the permanence and totality of God's judgment. It signifies the complete eradication of the wicked's identity, legacy, and any future remembrance or influence. Their existence is brought to a definitive and eternal end, ensuring they leave no lasting trace or inheritance in the annals of time or in the memory of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 9:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The verse primarily utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the three clauses ("Thou hast rebuked the heathen," "thou hast destroyed the wicked," "thou hast put out their name for ever and ever") express the same fundamental idea of God's decisive judgment, reinforcing and intensifying the concept of total annihilation of the wicked. The phrase "put out their name for ever and ever" is a powerful example of **Hyperbole** and **Figurative Language**, emphasizing the absolute and permanent nature of this judgment, rather than a literal erasure from all historical records. It signifies a complete cessation of their influence, memory, and legacy. Furthermore, the depiction of God actively "rebuking" and "destroying" uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions and emotions to God to help the human mind grasp His immense power and direct involvement in the affairs of the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: God is a righteous and just Judge who actively intervenes in the world to uphold His moral order. His judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary response to unrepentant wickedness, oppression, and rebellion against His sovereignty. For the oppressed, this serves as an immense source of comfort and assurance, knowing that their cries for justice are heard and that ultimate vindication rests with God. For the wicked, it is a sobering warning of the inevitable and permanent consequences of defying the Creator. This theme of divine judgment and the blotting out of the wicked's name resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's faithfulness to His promises of justice.

* [Deuteronomy 29:20](/deuteronomy/29-20 "Deuteronomy 29:20 - Blotting Out Names")
* [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish")
* [Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14-15 - The Second Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 9:5 offers both profound comfort and a solemn warning. For those who trust in God, it reinforces the unwavering truth that God is on His throne, actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, and will ultimately bring perfect justice to bear. This provides immense solace when faced with the apparent triumph of evil or the lingering presence of injustice in the world. It encourages us to persevere in righteousness, knowing that while evil may seem to flourish temporarily, its end is certain and complete. Conversely, for those who live in rebellion against God, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the severe and eternal consequences of persistent wickedness. It calls all to repentance and faith, urging a turning away from paths of unrighteousness towards the life and forgiveness offered by God. Ultimately, understanding God's definitive judgment should inspire us to live lives that honor Him, pursue justice, and place our hope in His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's definitive judgment against wickedness, as described in this verse, shape your perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice, even when evil seems to prevail?**
* **What does "putting out their name for ever and ever" signify for your own life and legacy in light of God's righteous character and your relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "heathen" refer to all non-Israelites, or specifically hostile nations?**

Answer: While "heathen" (Hebrew: *goyim*) can broadly refer to all non-Israelite nations, in the context of Psalms 9:5, it primarily refers to those nations or peoples who are actively hostile to God's covenant people and His divine order. These are often characterized by idolatry, oppression, and a rejection of the one true God. The psalmist is not condemning all non-Israelites indiscriminately, but rather those who embody wickedness and stand in opposition to God's righteous rule, as seen in the broader context of [Psalm 9](/psalms/9 "Psalm 9 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving and Judgment").

**How can a loving God "destroy the wicked" and "put out their name"?**

Answer: This verse highlights God's holiness and justice, which are as fundamental to His character as His love. God's love does not negate His righteousness; in fact, His love for justice and for the oppressed necessitates His judgment against wickedness. While God is patient and offers opportunities for repentance, unrepentant evil must ultimately face His judgment to uphold the moral order of the universe. This ensures that justice is served for the oppressed and that evil does not have the final word. It demonstrates that God is not indifferent to sin but is perfectly just in His dealings, as emphasized in [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge").

**What is the significance of "for ever and ever" in relation to the wicked's name being put out?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever and ever" (Hebrew: *l'olam va'ed*) emphasizes the finality, permanence, and irreversibility of God's judgment. It means that the wicked will have no lasting legacy, no enduring memory, and no continuing influence in the world or in eternity. Their destruction is complete and absolute, contrasting sharply with the eternal remembrance and blessed legacy of the righteous, whose names are preserved and honored, as noted in [Psalm 112:6](/psalms/112-6 "Psalm 112:6 - The Righteous Will Be Remembered"). It underscores that their rebellion against God leads to an ultimate and perpetual oblivion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 9:5, with its declaration of God's decisive judgment against the wicked and the permanent blotting out of their name, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament psalmist looked forward to God's intervention against earthly enemies, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the one appointed by the Father to be the ultimate Judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge")). His first coming inaugurated the defeat of the "wicked" powers of sin, death, and the devil, as He triumphed over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "rebuking" and "destroying" of the wicked will culminate in Christ's glorious second coming, when He will return to establish His righteous kingdom fully, definitively crushing all opposition and bringing every knee to bow ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The "putting out of their name for ever and ever" is vividly portrayed in the final judgment, where those whose names are not found written in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life") will face eternal separation from God, a complete and permanent eradication of their legacy and presence in God's eternal kingdom. Conversely, for those who believe in Christ, their names are eternally secured in Him ([Philippians 4:3](/philipians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life")), assuring them of an everlasting inheritance and remembrance in God's presence.

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

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.