Psalms 101:8

Authorized King James Version

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לַבְּקָרִ֗ים

H1242

I will early

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

אַצְמִ֥ית

H6789

destroy

to extirpate (literally or figuratively)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רִשְׁעֵי

H7563

all the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

אָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְהַכְרִ֥ית

H3772

that I may cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵֽעִיר

H5892

from the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

פֹּ֥עֲלֵי

H6466

doers

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

#11

אָֽוֶן׃

H205

all wicked

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?