Psalm 9:17

The wicked will return to Sheol--all the nations who forget God.

Study Bible

The wicked
The term "wicked" in Hebrew is "רְשָׁעִים" (resha'im), which refers to those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile towards God. In the biblical context, the wicked are often contrasted with the righteous, those who live in accordance with God's laws. The wicked are characterized by their rebellion against God and their pursuit of sinful desires. This phrase serves as a reminder of the moral order established by God, where actions have consequences, and those who live in opposition to God's will are ultimately accountable.

will return
The phrase "will return" suggests a movement back to a previous state or place. In Hebrew, the word "יָשׁוּבוּ" (yashuvu) implies a turning back or a reversal. This can be understood as a return to a state of separation from God, which is the natural consequence of living a life opposed to His ways. It emphasizes the inevitability of divine justice, where the wicked, despite their temporary success or prosperity, will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

to Sheol
"Sheol" is a Hebrew term "שְׁאוֹל" (She'ol) that refers to the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living. In the Old Testament, Sheol is often depicted as a shadowy existence where the dead reside, regardless of their moral standing. However, in this context, it signifies a place of judgment for the wicked. The use of Sheol underscores the seriousness of divine judgment and the ultimate fate of those who reject God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of one's earthly choices.

all the nations
The phrase "all the nations" expands the scope of the verse beyond individual wickedness to include entire groups or societies that turn away from God. In Hebrew, "גּוֹיִם" (goyim) refers to nations or peoples. This highlights the universal application of God's justice, indicating that no nation is exempt from accountability. It serves as a warning to societies that forget God, emphasizing that collective rebellion against divine principles leads to collective consequences.

who forget God
To "forget God" in Hebrew is "שְׁכֵחֵי אֱלֹהִים" (shekhei Elohim), which implies a deliberate neglect or disregard for God's presence and commandments. Forgetting God is not merely an act of memory lapse but a willful choice to live as if God does not exist or matter. This phrase underscores the root cause of wickedness: a failure to acknowledge and honor God. It serves as a call to remember and revere God, recognizing that true wisdom and righteousness begin with the fear of the Lord. The verse, therefore, is both a warning and an invitation to return to a life centered on God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Wicked
This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and righteousness. In the context of the Psalms, the wicked are often contrasted with the righteous, who follow God's ways.

2. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living. It is often used in the Old Testament to describe the fate of those who do not follow God.

3. Nations
This term refers to groups of people or countries. In this verse, it highlights the collective turning away from God, not just individual actions.

4. God
The central figure in the Psalms, God is portrayed as just, righteous, and the ultimate judge of humanity.

5. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of many Psalms, including Psalm 9, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart, known for his deep relationship with God.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Judgment
The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine judgment. It emphasizes that actions have consequences, and turning away from God leads to spiritual death.

The Importance of Remembering God
Forgetting God is not merely an intellectual lapse but a moral and spiritual failure. Believers are called to keep God at the center of their lives, acknowledging Him in all their ways.

National and Personal Accountability
While the verse speaks of nations, it also applies to individuals. Each person is accountable to God, and collective forgetfulness begins with personal neglect.

Hope for the Righteous
Implicit in the warning to the wicked is the hope for the righteous. Those who remember and follow God are assured of His presence and protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of Sheol in Psalm 9:17 shape our understanding of life after death from a biblical perspective?

2. In what ways can individuals and nations "forget God," and what are the practical implications of this forgetfulness?

3. How does the theme of divine judgment in Psalm 9:17 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are remembering God in our daily lives and decisions?

5. How can the church collectively address the issue of national forgetfulness of God in today's society?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 14:32
This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous, similar to Psalm 9:17, emphasizing the hope of the righteous even in death.

Matthew 25:41
Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where those who have rejected God will face eternal separation, akin to the concept of Sheol.

Romans 1:21
Paul discusses how nations and individuals who forget God fall into moral and spiritual decay, echoing the warning in Psalm 9:17.