Psalms 104:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 104:35
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.
Chapter Context
Psalms 104 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, worship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 104:35
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.
Analysis
The psalm's conclusion calls for sinners to be consumed from the earth and the wicked to be no more, followed by 'Bless the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD (Hallelujah).' This jarring shift from celebrating creation to denouncing sin shows that sin mars God's good creation. Complete blessing requires sin's removal. This isn't vindictiveness but desire for God's perfect will. The final hallelujah (first occurrence in Psalms) celebrates God despite sin's present intrusion. Christ's second coming will accomplish this—removing all wickedness and fully restoring creation (Rev 21:4, 22:3).
Historical Context
The psalm's close returns to the fall's effects on creation, which groans awaiting redemption (Rom 8:22). The psalmist longs for creation's liberation from sin's corruption, anticipating eschatological restoration.
Reflection
- How do you balance celebrating God's good creation with acknowledging sin's corruption of it?
- What does longing for wickedness's end teach about proper desire for justice and holiness?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 105:45, 106:48
- References Lord: Judges 5:31
- Evil: Psalms 37:38, 101:8, Proverbs 2:22
- Parallel theme: Psalms 1:4, 59:13, 73:27