Definition: Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 9:5 – it's a really powerful and hopeful verse. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about God’s righteous anger and judgment towards those who are wicked and harmful. It’s saying that God actively and decisively takes action against evil. Let’s unpack the parts: “Thou hast rebuked the heathen…” – “Thou” means "you" in ancient Hebrew, so this is directed at God himself. “Rebuked” means to scold or rebuke someone. It suggests that God is speaking to those who are not right with him. “…thou hast destroyed the wicked…” – This part emphasizes God’s power to destroy evil. It's like a powerful, deliberate action against wrongdoing. “…thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.” – This is the most striking part. “Name” here refers to a person’s reputation, identity, or glory. "Put out" means to extinguish, to silence, or to completely end something. "Ever and ever" signifies an unending period of destruction or removal. Putting it all together: Psalm 9:5 is saying that God has actively and permanently banished evil from the world. He’s not just mildly concerned; he's forcefully eliminating wickedness. It speaks to a sense of divine justice and a desire for righteousness. What does this mean in a bigger picture? This verse often connects with themes of: Justice: God is acting as a judge, dispensing his righteous punishment. Hope: It’s a promise that God will ultimately triumph over evil and restore good. It suggests a future where wickedness is gone. God's Sovereignty: He’s in control of the situation and not allowing evil to flourish without consequence. Important Note: This verse isn’t necessarily about our individual actions. It’s about God’s active response to sin and wrongdoing. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse is used in the Bible?