Psalms 9:6

KJV

O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

O thou enemy {H341}, destructions {H2723} are come to a perpetual {H5331} end {H8552}: and thou hast destroyed {H5428} cities {H6145}{H5892}; their memorial {H2143} is perished {H6} with them {H1992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The enemy is finished, in ruins forever; you destroyed their cities; all memory of them is lost.

Berean Standard Bible

The enemy has come to eternal ruin, and You have uprooted their cities; the very memory of them has vanished.

American Standard Version

The enemy are come to an end, they are desolate for ever; And the cities which thou hast overthrown, The very remembrance of them is perished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 9:6 powerfully declares the decisive and permanent defeat of the enemy, whose destructive campaigns have ceased forever, and whose very memory has vanished along with their ruined cities. This verse functions as a triumphant pronouncement of divine justice, contrasting the fleeting nature of human evil and its legacy of desolation with the enduring sovereignty of God, who ensures the ultimate triumph of righteousness and the obliteration of all that opposes Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, attributed to David, celebrating God's righteous judgment and His deliverance of the oppressed. It begins with David's vow to praise the Lord with his whole heart, recounting God's marvelous works and rejoicing in His salvation ([Psalm 9:1-2](/psalms/9-1 "Psalm 9:1-2 - Praise to the Lord")). The psalmist then shifts to a confident declaration of God's defeat of his enemies, describing their stumbling and perishing before the Lord's presence ([Psalm 9:3](/psalms/9-3 "Psalm 9:3 - Enemies Stumble")). Verse 6, "O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them," marks a triumphant climax within this section, solidifying the victory and emphasizing the permanence of the enemy's downfall before transitioning to a broader affirmation of God's eternal throne and righteous judgment ([Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God's Eternal Throne and Judgment")). This verse serves as a pivotal declaration of the enemy's complete and irreversible ruin, setting the stage for the enduring contrast between God's eternal rule and the fleeting nature of human evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical enemy is not named, the language of "cities destroyed" and "destructions" suggests a context of warfare and invasion, common in ancient Near Eastern societies. Kings and empires frequently sought to erase the memory of defeated foes, often by destroying their cities, monuments, and records, thereby preventing any future resurgence or remembrance of their power. The concept of a "memorial" (Hebrew: *zikaron*) was crucial, as it signified a lasting legacy, reputation, or even the continuation of a name through descendants or monuments. To have one's memorial "perish" was the ultimate disgrace and obliteration, implying a complete removal from history and collective memory. This reflects the ancient understanding that a name or legacy could live on, or be utterly extinguished, depending on the outcome of conflict and divine favor. The psalmist's declaration taps into this cultural understanding, affirming that God's judgment is so absolute that it not only defeats the enemy but also eradicates their very remembrance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 9:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting God's decisive intervention against those who oppose Him and His people. The phrase "destructions are come to a perpetual end" signifies a final, irreversible judgment against the enemy's capacity for harm, aligning with the portrayal of God as the [ultimate judge who executes righteousness](/psalms/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - God Judges the Peoples"). Secondly, it highlights **The End of Wickedness**, proclaiming that the enemy's "destructions" are brought to nothing, implying the complete cessation of their oppressive and harmful acts. Their power is utterly broken, and their reign of terror is declared finished forever. Finally, the verse sharply contrasts **Eternal Remembrance vs. Oblivion**. While God's name and deeds are eternally remembered (as seen in [Psalm 102:12](/psalms/102-12 "Psalm 102:12 - God's Eternal Reign")), the enemy's "memorial is perished with them." This stark contrast emphasizes the impermanence of human evil and the ultimate futility of opposing God. Their legacy of destruction is erased, and they are consigned to oblivion, reinforcing the truth that only what is aligned with God endures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enemy (Hebrew, _ʾôyēb'_):** This term broadly refers to an adversary, foe, or hostile opponent. In the context of the Psalms, it often denotes not just a personal antagonist but also those who oppose God's people and, by extension, God Himself. The address "O thou enemy" is a direct, triumphant taunt, acknowledging their past destructive power only to declare its utter and permanent cessation.
* **Destructions (Hebrew, _ḥorāvôt'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be waste, desolate, or ruined," this plural noun conveys a strong sense of desolations, ruins, or devastations. It refers to the acts of destruction committed by the enemy, the ruin they wrought, or the very instruments of their destructive power. The declaration that these "are come to a perpetual end" emphasizes the complete cessation of their capacity for harm and their legacy of desolation.
* **Perpetual End (Hebrew, _lāneṣaḥ'_):** This adverbial phrase means "forever," "eternally," "for all time," or "to the uttermost." When combined with "end," it underscores the absolute, irreversible, and permanent nature of God's victory and the enemy's defeat. It signifies that the cessation of their destructive power is not temporary but final and absolute.
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _zikrām'_):** From the root *zakhar* (to remember), *zikrām* refers to their remembrance, fame, reputation, or the very record of their existence. In ancient cultures, a "memorial" could be a monument, a name passed down, or a historical record. Its perishing signifies a complete erasure from history and memory, an ultimate act of divine judgment that leaves no trace of the enemy's former power or existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end":** This opening clause is a direct, triumphant address to the defeated foe. The "destructions" (referring to the enemy's acts of devastation, their instruments of ruin, or the very state of desolation they caused) are declared to have reached a final, irreversible conclusion. The phrase "perpetual end" emphasizes the absolute and eternal nature of this cessation, signifying that the enemy's capacity for harm is utterly and permanently broken. It is a declaration of divine judgment that brings an end to a reign of terror.
* **"and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them":** This second clause acknowledges the enemy's past destructive power—they indeed "destroyed cities," indicating their significant historical impact and the widespread ruin they inflicted. However, this past power is immediately contrasted with their present state of oblivion. The crucial point is that not only have the enemies themselves been defeated, but their "memorial"—their name, fame, legacy, or the very record of their existence—has "perished with them." This signifies a complete and utter erasure from history and memory, a divine act of judgment that ensures no trace of their destructive legacy remains. It highlights the futility of human evil in the face of God's ultimate sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 9:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine triumph. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, "O thou enemy," creates a dramatic and confrontational tone, allowing the psalmist to directly taunt the defeated foe. This is immediately followed by a stark **Contrast** between the enemy's past destructive power ("thou hast destroyed cities") and their present state of utter obliteration ("destructions are come to a perpetual end," "their memorial is perished with them"). This contrast emphasizes the finality of God's judgment. The phrase "perpetual end" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and eternal nature of the enemy's defeat, suggesting a cessation so complete it extends infinitely. Furthermore, the concept of a "memorial" perishing is a form of **Metonymy**, where "memorial" stands for the entire legacy, reputation, and historical impact of the enemy. The complete erasure of this memorial functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's ultimate victory over evil, where not only is the physical threat removed, but even the memory of its existence is wiped clean, leaving no trace for future generations to recall or fear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 9:6 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His interaction with the world. It reveals God as the sovereign Judge who not only sees injustice and oppression but actively intervenes to bring it to a decisive end. The permanence of the enemy's defeat and the obliteration of their memorial underscore the futility of human rebellion against divine authority and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous order. This verse assures believers that evil, no matter how formidable or destructive it appears, has a finite lifespan and will ultimately be consigned to oblivion by the just hand of God. It provides a foundation for hope in God's ultimate victory over all forms of wickedness, promising a future where the destructive power of evil is forever broken and its memory erased.

* [Psalm 7:9](/psalms/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - God Judges the Peoples")
* [Psalm 102:12](/psalms/102-12 "Psalm 102:12 - God's Eternal Reign")
* [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - Death and Hades Cast into the Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 9:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers in every generation that God is actively engaged in the world, bringing justice and setting things right. In a world often plagued by seemingly endless cycles of violence, oppression, and injustice, this verse offers a profound anchor for our hope. It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, knowing that no matter how powerful or destructive adversaries may appear, their reign is temporary, and their capacity for harm will ultimately be brought to a "perpetual end." This truth should empower us to persevere through trials, to stand against injustice, and to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that only what is built on God's principles and truth has lasting value. The impermanence of evil and the promise of its obliteration should motivate us to invest our lives in what truly endures—God's kingdom and His righteousness—rather than succumbing to the fleeting allure of worldly power or destructive ambitions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the enemy's "perpetual end" encourage you in the face of current challenges or injustices?**
* **What does it mean for you that the "memorial" of evil deeds and those who commit them will ultimately perish?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in God's work of bringing an end to destructive forces in your sphere of influence, trusting in His ultimate victory?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God literally erases historical records or memories of evil people?**

Answer: While the language "their memorial is perished with them" is strong, it's primarily a theological and poetic declaration of ultimate judgment and futility, rather than a literal promise of historical amnesia. In ancient Near Eastern thought, to have one's "memorial" perish meant the complete cessation of one's name, fame, and legacy—the ultimate disgrace and obliteration. It signifies that God's judgment is so absolute that the enemy's power, influence, and very reason for remembrance are utterly negated. While historical records might exist, their significance and the power they once represented are rendered meaningless in the face of God's eternal reign. It emphasizes that only God's name and His deeds endure forever, while all that opposes Him ultimately fades into oblivion, as seen in the contrast with [Psalm 102:12](/psalms/102-12 "Psalm 102:12 - God's Eternal Reign").

**Who is "the enemy" referred to in this psalm?**

Answer: In the Psalms, "the enemy" can have multiple layers of meaning. On a literal level, it refers to specific human adversaries or nations that opposed David and Israel. Historically, this could include the Philistines, Ammonites, or other hostile kingdoms. However, on a broader theological level, "the enemy" also represents any force, human or spiritual, that opposes God's righteous rule, His people, and His purposes. This includes oppressive regimes, wicked individuals, and ultimately, the spiritual forces of evil. The universal language of the psalm allows it to apply to any manifestation of evil that seeks to destroy or oppress, assuring believers that God will ultimately triumph over all such opposition, bringing their destructive power to a "perpetual end" and ensuring their "memorial is perished."

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's vengeance?**

Answer: This verse certainly speaks to God's righteous judgment and the defeat of His adversaries, which can be seen as a form of divine vengeance. However, it's crucial to understand biblical "vengeance" not as capricious or personal retaliation, but as God's just and holy response to sin and evil, aimed at upholding His righteousness and restoring order. When the psalmist declares that "destructions are come to a perpetual end" and the enemy's "memorial is perished," it is a declaration that God is actively intervening to dismantle oppressive power and ensure that evil's reign is not eternal. This is not for God's personal gratification but for the vindication of His justice and the deliverance of the oppressed, as promised in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine"). It ultimately serves to establish God's eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 9:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "enemy" whose destructions come to a perpetual end is ultimately Satan, the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Prince of this World Cast Out")) and the instigator of all evil and destruction. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated the power of sin, death, and the devil. The cross, though appearing as a moment of defeat, was in fact the ultimate triumph where Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "perpetual end" of destructions is realized in Christ's victory over death, which has lost its sting ([1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - O Death, Where is Your Sting?")). Furthermore, the promise that the enemy's "memorial is perished with them" points to the final judgment where Satan and all who oppose God will be cast into the lake of fire, eternally removed from God's presence and memory ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire")). In Christ, believers are assured that though evil may rage for a time, its power is broken, and its ultimate destiny is oblivion, while the memorial of Christ's redemptive work and the names of His redeemed endure forever in God's eternal kingdom ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")).

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 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

Isaiah 14:22

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 14:23

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 51:62

Then shalt thou say, O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever.

Jeremiah 51:64

And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah.

1 Samuel 30:1

¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;