Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָשׁ֣וּבוּ

H7725

shall be turned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

רְשָׁעִ֣ים

H7563

The wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

לִשְׁא֑וֹלָה

H7585

into hell

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

כָּל

H3605

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

גּ֝וֹיִ֗ם

H1471

and all the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

שְׁכֵחֵ֥י

H7913

that forget

oblivious

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?