Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Ye that love {H157} the LORD {H3068}, hate {H8130} evil {H7451}: he preserveth {H8104} the souls {H5315} of his saints {H2623}; he delivereth {H5337} them out of the hand {H3027} of the wicked {H7563}.
You who love ADONAI, hate evil! He keeps his faithful servants safe. He rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
O ye that love Jehovah, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of his saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
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Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. -
Romans 12:9
[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. -
Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. -
Psalms 145:20
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. -
Jeremiah 15:21
And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. -
Daniel 3:28
¶ [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. -
Amos 5:15
Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
Context of Psalms 97:10
Psalm 97 is a majestic psalm celebrating the LORD's reign as King over all the earth. It depicts God's awesome power, His righteousness, and His judgment against idols and all forms of wickedness. The psalm begins with the heavens declaring His righteousness, and all peoples seeing His glory. In this context, verse 10 serves as a direct call to God's people, contrasting their expected behavior with the divine judgment described earlier. It shifts from proclaiming God's attributes to outlining the response required from those who truly belong to Him, emphasizing the moral implications of His sovereignty.
Key Themes and Messages
The Call to Purity: Love for God, Hatred for Evil
The opening command, "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil," establishes a fundamental principle of biblical ethics. It asserts that genuine love for God is inextricably linked to an active aversion to sin and wickedness. This is not a passive dislike, but a strong, moral hatred for anything that stands contrary to God's holy character and righteous will. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, underscoring that the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, and His followers are called to abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good.
Divine Preservation of His Saints
The verse continues with a powerful promise: "he preserveth the souls of his saints." This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and protective care over those who are devoted to Him. The term "saints" (Hebrew: chasidav) refers to those who are loyal, godly, and merciful. God actively guards and maintains the life and well-being of His faithful ones, ensuring their ultimate security. This divine preservation extends beyond physical safety to the very essence of their being, their "souls," signifying a comprehensive care for their spiritual and eternal welfare. It assures believers that their commitment to holiness does not go unnoticed or unrewarded by the Almighty.
God's Deliverance from the Wicked
Finally, the psalm declares, "he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked." This provides comfort and assurance, emphasizing God's active intervention on behalf of His people. The "wicked" (Hebrew: rasha'im) are those who are morally corrupt, oppressive, and hostile to God and His righteous ways. Despite the threats and dangers posed by such adversaries, the LORD promises to rescue His saints from their grasp. This deliverance can be physical, spiritual, or both, demonstrating God's sovereign power to overcome any opposition and secure His people's ultimate triumph. It reinforces the truth that those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame, and He delivers them out of all their troubles.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "hate" (שִׂנְאוּ - sin'u) is a strong verb, indicating a deep, active aversion, not merely a passive dislike. It implies a moral repugnance for evil. The term "preserveth" (שֹׁמֵר - shomer) means to guard, keep, or watch over, conveying a sense of vigilant care. "Souls" (נַפְשׁוֹת - nafshot) often refers to the whole person, their life, and being, encompassing more than just the spiritual component. "Saints" (חֲסִידָיו - chasidav) comes from the root chesed, meaning loyal love or covenant faithfulness, indicating those who embody God's lovingkindness.
Practical Application
Psalms 97:10 calls believers to a clear moral stance: our love for God must manifest as an unwavering hatred for evil in all its forms. This means actively rejecting sinful practices, attitudes, and influences in our lives and in the world around us. It encourages a life of holiness and righteousness, knowing that such a commitment is pleasing to God. Furthermore, the verse offers immense comfort and hope. It reminds us that despite the prevalence of evil and the threats posed by the wicked, God Himself is our ultimate protector and deliverer. We can rest in the assurance that He watches over His own and will rescue them from every adversary, both seen and unseen. This should inspire confidence and perseverance in walking righteously.