PSALM PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:1. This can be called a wisdom psalm because it reflects on themes normally dealt with in the Bible’s Wisdom Literature, particularly in Proverbs 1:1. It addresses the issue of why godless people often prosper. It shows that it really is better to stay loyal to the Lord... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:4 The Lord will give the faithful THE DESIRES OF their HEART, that is, he will give them what their heart longs for. It is safe to say this, because as the faithful delight in the Lord, their hearts will desire the right things (see vv. Psalms 37:16, Psalms 37:31). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:9 The contrast between the two outcomes, those who SHALL BE CUT OFF and those who SHALL INHERIT THE LAND, recurs throughout the psalm (vv. Psalms 37:11, Psalms 37:22, Psalms 37:28, Psalms 37:34). See also Proverbs 2:21. “Cut off” describes the “future of the wicked” ... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:11 Psalms 37:1 is concerned with ultimate outcomes, not simply the benefits of this present world. This accounts for why Jesus uses the first half of this verse in the third beatitude (Matthew 5:5): Jesus’ beatitudes describe benefits that are to be fully enjoyed at the last... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:12 The WICKED person may hatch all manner of schemes AGAINST THE RIGHTEOUS person (v. Psalms 37:12), but the faithful can live in contentment, even with LITTLE (v. Psalms 37:16; see Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 16:8). They are confident that God knows the days of the blameless [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:21 The contented person is free to give generously to the needy (DO GOOD, v. Psalms 37:27). Without such contentment one might be greedy and envious, or else be fearful about becoming poor. He knows his STEPS... ARE ESTABLISHED BY THE LORD (v. Psalms 37:23), and thus even THO... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 37:32 This final section assures the faithful that THE LORD WILL NOT ABANDON them to the POWER of the WICKED (vv. Psalms 37:32). He will ensure that both the righteous and the wicked receive their proper reward in due time (probably in the world to come, vv. Psalms 37:37; see no... [ Continue Reading ]