Psalms 9:5
Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
Original Language Analysis
ג֭וֹיִם
the heathen
H1471
ג֭וֹיִם
the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 8
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אִבַּ֣דְתָּ
thou hast destroyed
H6
אִבַּ֣דְתָּ
thou hast destroyed
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
רָשָׁ֑ע
the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע
the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
4 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
שְׁמָ֥ם
their name
H8034
שְׁמָ֥ם
their name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 8
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מָ֝חִ֗יתָ
thou hast put out
H4229
מָ֝חִ֗יתָ
thou hast put out
Strong's:
H4229
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
Cross References
Proverbs 10:7The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.Revelation 19:15And 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 9:14Let 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 4:3And 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 78:55He 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.Psalms 79:10Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.Psalms 149:7To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;Proverbs 13:9The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.2 Samuel 17:23And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
Historical Context
Israel's enemies constantly threatened God's covenant people. This verse assures that God will ultimately defeat all opposition to His kingdom. The blotting out of names reverses the memorial-making important in ancient culture - complete obliteration. Prophets expanded this to eschatological judgment of all God-opposing nations at the end of history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reality of eternal judgment affect your evangelistic urgency?
- Are you grateful that Christ bore the judgment so your name could be written in the Book of Life?
Analysis & Commentary
God's judgment extends beyond David's personal enemies to 'the heathen' (Hebrew 'goyim' - nations) and 'the wicked.' The comprehensive judgment includes rebuke (verbal condemnation), destruction (complete defeat), and name blotting (removal from history and memory). 'For ever and ever' emphasizes eternal, irreversible judgment. This sobering truth reflects God's holy opposition to wickedness. Yet it also points to Christ, who bore this judgment for His people so their names would not be blotted out.