You rebuked the nations, You destroyed the wicked, and You wiped out their name forever and ever.
This verse describes the completeness of God’s judgment. The rebuke of the nations shows that no people or authority is outside His moral rule. The words “You destroyed the wicked” refer to the final defeat of evil. “Blotting out the name” in the ancient world meant the removal of remembrance, honor, and continuing influence. A person may try to magnify his name through violence, but before God’s judgment that glory disappears. This word should not make us rejoice in people’s ruin. It should warn us about the destructive end of sin and move us to repentance. At the same time it comforts the oppressed: unjust power is not eternal. The Lord sets a limit for evil. The believer is called not to envy the wicked person’s temporary success, because it is passing and cannot be preserved before God’s judgment. He should seek the honor and acceptance that God grants to those who belong to Him.