What is the meaning of Psalm 10:15?

Break the arm

• “Break the arm” is vivid language asking God to shatter the power and influence of those who persist in evil.

• Scripture often uses an “arm” to symbolize strength; thus, the plea is for God to render the wicked powerless, as in Psalm 37:17 (“the arms of the wicked will be broken”) and Ezekiel 30:22.

• This petition springs from confidence that God defends the helpless (Psalm 10:14) and intervenes when His people cry out (Exodus 6:6).

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of the wicked and evildoer

• The target is clearly identified: not merely people who slip, but those who habitually oppose God and harm others (Proverbs 4:16–17).

• Throughout Scripture the Lord distinguishes between the righteous who seek Him and the unrepentant who harden their hearts (Psalm 1:4–6; Romans 2:8).

• The psalmist aligns with God’s hatred of evil (Psalm 5:5) while trusting God’s timing and methods.

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call him to account

• The plea asks God to summon the wicked into His courtroom, making their hidden deeds public (Psalm 50:21; Hebrews 4:13).

• Divine accountability is certain; every person must answer to God (Romans 14:12; Ecclesiastes 12:14).

• The psalmist models faith that ultimate justice rests with the Lord, freeing believers from taking vengeance (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).

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for his wickedness

• The judgment sought is proportionate: evil is repaid for what it has done (Galatians 6:7).

• By naming “wickedness,” the psalm affirms that God’s standards are objective, not shifting with culture (Isaiah 5:20).

• Justice is part of God’s righteous character; He cannot overlook sin without compromising His holiness (Psalm 89:14).

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until none is left to be found

• This looks forward to the day when evil is eradicated, not merely restrained (Psalm 37:10; Revelation 21:4).

• The phrase underscores perseverance in prayer—pressing the case before God until He completes the work (Luke 18:7).

• It anticipates the ultimate victory promised in Revelation 20:10–15, when all rebellion is finally judged.

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summary

Psalm 10:15 voices a bold, faith-filled request: that God would decisively break the power of unrepentant evildoers, bring them before His bar of justice, and continue this work until wickedness is completely removed. The verse reassures believers that God sees every wrong, measures every deed, and will one day eliminate evil altogether, vindicating His people and displaying His perfect righteousness.