Psalms 9:6
O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
Original Language Analysis
תַּ֥מּוּ
end
H8552
תַּ֥מּוּ
end
Strong's:
H8552
Word #:
2 of 9
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
חֳרָב֗וֹת
destructions
H2723
חֳרָב֗וֹת
destructions
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
לָ֫נֶ֥צַח
are come to a perpetual
H5331
לָ֫נֶ֥צַח
are come to a perpetual
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
וְעָרִ֥ים
H5892
וְעָרִ֥ים
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אָבַ֖ד
is perished
H6
אָבַ֖ד
is perished
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
Cross References
Exodus 14:13And 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 7:8Rejoice 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.
Historical Context
This may refer to specific Canaanite cities destroyed during Joshua's conquest or cities of nations David defeated. The destruction of cities and memorials was total warfare in ancient context. Prophetically, this points to final judgment when all God-opposing powers will be permanently defeated and removed from the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- What enemies seem powerful now but will ultimately face perpetual defeat?
- How does confidence in evil's final destruction help you persevere in present struggles?
Analysis & Commentary
The enemies' 'destructions are come to a perpetual end' - their power to destroy is finished. 'Thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished' emphasizes complete and permanent defeat. The irony is striking: those who sought to destroy are themselves destroyed beyond memory. This demonstrates God's absolute victory - not temporary setback but eternal triumph. In Christ, all forces of evil face this fate - perpetual defeat and forgotten memorial.