Psalms 145:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 145:20
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
Chapter Context
Psalms 145 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, hope, faith. 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 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 145:20
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
Analysis
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. Divine preservation and destruction sharply contrasted—shomer Yahweh et-kol-ohavav (שֹׁמֵר יְהוָה אֶת־כָּל־אֹהֲבָיו) "Yahweh keeps/guards all who love Him." Shomer (שֹׁמֵר) means watchful protection, diligent preservation. God's ohavav (אֹהֲבָיו) "ones loving Him" receive eternal security, echoing Romans 8:28-39—nothing can separate them from God's love.
All the wicked will he destroy (ve'et kol-harĕsha'im yashmid, וְאֵת כָּל־הָרְשָׁעִים יַשְׁמִיד)—yashmid (יַשְׁמִיד) means utter destruction, annihilation. The absolute contrast (all who love Him preserved / all wicked destroyed) eliminates middle ground. This anticipates final judgment where Christ separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31-46).
Historical Context
The psalm's conclusion returns to Psalm 1's two ways: the way of the righteous (preserved) and the way of the wicked (destroyed). This binary framework structured Israelite covenant theology—blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The New Testament affirms this ultimate division (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Reflection
- How does God's preservation of those who love Him differ from worldly notions of divine protection guaranteeing comfort?
- What should be the church's posture toward the coming destruction of the wicked—indifference, satisfaction, grief?
- How can believers maintain confidence in God's preservation during seasons of severe trial or persecution?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 1:6
- Love: Psalms 31:23, 37:28, 97:10, Exodus 20:6, James 2:5
- Evil: Psalms 9:5, 9:17, Matthew 25:41