Psalms 71

Psalms 71:1

Introduction

From this psalm we cannot discern a direct occasion that led to its being written. We hear the language of a believer who has insight into the nature of the ungodly, into what characterizes and drives him. That insight drives him out to the excellence and greatness of God as his refuge and the abundance of blessing enjoyed with Him. The psalmist looks first at the ‘greatness’ of the ungodly and then at the greatness of God. We recognize here the experience of the believing remnant in the end time when they have to deal with ‘the ungodly’, that is, the antichrist.

That the believers will be driven out to God through their knowledge of the ungodly is exactly what God wants. We see here an application of the riddle that Samson gives up: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet” (Judges 14:14a). The threat of the ungodly makes us all the more aware of all that we have received in Christ. As a result, ‘food’ and ‘sweetness’ come to us out of “the eater” and out of “the strong”, that is, the wicked.

The psalm can be divided as follows: 1. The characteristics of the ungodly (Psalms 36:1b-4). 2. Praise of God’s covenant of faithfulness and the joy over it (Psalms 36:5-9). 3. Prayer to be preserved from the ungodly (Psalms 36:10-12).

Characteristics of the Ungodly

For “for the choir director” (Psalms 36:1a) see at Psalms 4:1.

For “[a Psalm] of David” see at Psalms 3:1.

For “the servant of the LORD” see at Psalms 18:1. There this expression occurs in the heading the first and only other time.

In Hebrew, this psalm begins with the word ne’um, which means that what follows is an oracle from God. What follows is a description of the ungodly as God sees him. The characteristics described here show that there is not the slightest restraint in committing sins.

It is not limited to a particular enemy in the psalmist’s life, but applies to every ungodly person. It is his nature, he lives according to it. It involves his whole being, his thinking, his words and his deeds, in short it is man under the power of sin (cf. Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 2:1-3). “The transgression” here means that sin has taken the place of God in the heart of the ungodly.

His life consists of “transgression” of all that God has forbidden (Psalms 36:1b). God knows what the ungodly speaks “within his heart”. That man does not have the slightest “fear of God”. His eyes are not fixed on it. With the ungodly, the speaking of God in the heart or conscience has been replaced by the desire to transgress all that God has forbidden. This is not a heathen, but one who is consciously in rebellion against the covenant of God. It is about an apostate Jew, who will eventually find his full fulfillment in the antichrist (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Instead of awe for God, the ungodly has something else in mind and that is himself. He considers himself great. He boasts of his transgression, he justifies it, and flatters himself with all that he is able to do and is in his own eyes (Psalms 36:2). In doing so, he deceives himself and others. There comes a time of “the discovery of his iniquity [and] the hatred [of it]” (cf. Numbers 32:23). This means that the ungodly will ultimately face his iniquity before the great white throne and will be judged, but here we are talking about the government of God here and now.

Whoever does unrighteousness will be punished for it by God. He will be hated by God and all who love Him. Then the doers of unrighteousness will be convinced that they have loved unrighteousness and thereby sinned against God and their own lives. Without defense, they will see that the punishment they receive is deserved and just.

His transgression – that is, not just doing wrong, but it is violating a prohibition – is evident in the words of wickedness and deceit that come from his mouth (Psalms 36:3). There is no acting wisely and doing good with him. In his words and deeds there is nothing to discover that is true and good. This is the result of the lack of awe for God. If that is lacking, there can be no wise acting. Here it says “ceased”. This indicates that he knows better, but does not do it, fails to do it. It is a culpable omission. The next verse shows that.

From Psalms 36:4 it is clear that the ungodly intentionally and knowingly does evil. It is willful, premeditated sinning (Hebrews 10:26). It is rebelling against the covenant of God. “He plans wickedness upon his bed.” At night the desire to do wickedness occupies him. When he gets out of bed, “he sets himself on a path that is not good”. On such a path it is not possible to do good. “He does not despise evil” means that he knows evil but does not despise it.

Psalms 71:2

Precious Lovingkindness

Without transition, without introduction, suddenly the LORD is there (Psalms 36:5). How is that possible? The answer is: His lovingkindness, or His covenant faithfulness. For us, the LORD’s actions are based on the blood of the new covenant, which is for us. His faithfulness is based on the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. This psalm, as noted at Psalms 36:1b, is an oracle of God, indicating that everything here is seen from God’s point of view. Therefore, here in Psalms 36:5 we can have the abrupt transition into a song of praise to God’s covenant faithfulness.

In contrast to the glorification of the ungodly of himself in Psalms 36:2, is the glorification of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness by the God-fearing (Psalms 36:5). God’s “lovingkindness, … extends to the heavens”. This means that God’s lovingkindness will accompany the righteous on earth until he is in heaven. Also, the righteous counts on the faithfulness of God that goes beyond the earthly events and reaches “to the skies”.

It means that the lovingkindness and faithfulness of God are immeasurably great (cf. Psalms 57:10). As far as the eye reaches, they are visible. Lovingkindness is the source of God’s acting and provides comfort in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness is the anchor to which the believer clings. Faithfulness offers security.

Attached to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness is His “righteousness” (Psalms 36:6). It is unshakable “like the mountains of God”, like the mighty mountains. His righteousness is manifested in His government which is for judgment to the ungodly and for redemption to the righteous. He always acts in accordance with Who He is, in accordance with His holiness and His love.

In His judgments in the great tribulation, which are like “a great deep”, He preserves “men and beasts”. This recalls God’s judgment of the flood (Genesis 7:11), that men and beasts are preserved in the ark and then come out of the ark onto an earth cleansed by the judgments (Genesis 8:18-19). So it will be in the realm of peace after the great tribulation (Romans 8:20-21).

In the realm of peace, it will become clear “how precious” God’s “lovingkindness” is, for everything enjoyed then is a result of it (Psalms 36:7). This principle applies not only to the realm of peace. God’s lovingkindness is already now the reason, “for the children of men to take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (cf. Rth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 57:1b; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:4). God offers protection and safety. We see a foreshadowing of this in nature with chicks crawling under mother’s wings when danger threatens (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34).

In the shadow of God’s wings, the children of men find not only protection, but also an abundance of blessings: “They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house” (Psalms 36:8). The blessings here are to be permitted to eat of the peace offering that speaks of fellowship with the LORD and with one another.

God gives them there to drink from “the river of Your delights” or, as it is translated in the Dutch translation, to drink from “the brook full of delectable gifts” (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-5). This is characteristic of the joy of all who partake of the Divine nature. Where God has His joy, that is where His own have their joy. By the “delights” or “delectable gifts” we can think of all the gifts we have received in Christ, both spiritual and material. For both gifts apply: what do we have that we have not received (1 Corinthians 4:7)? All gifts find their summary in the one great gift of God: Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

This abundance of blessings may be enjoyed by us New Testament believers in a higher way than is possible for believers associated with God’s earthly people. Christ has become our life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. We have been given eternal life. Our fellowship is by the Spirit with the Father and the Son and with one another. This causes complete joy (1 John 1:1-4).

We can enjoy all this because we have been put in connection with Him with Whom is “the fountain of life” (Psalms 36:9). Fountain means well of water. Life means a well of living water, water that gives life and refreshment. For us it goes even further. That well is not only “with” us, but in us (John 14:16-17). We have that well in Christ, Who dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17), and in the eternal life – that is He Himself (1 John 5:20) – that we have received (John 4:14). We also have that well within us through the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us, enabling us to become a well of water for others in turn (John 7:37-39).

In addition to being the fountain of life, God is also “light”, and in His light we “see the light”. Seeing the light is connected with “life” (Psalms 49:19). This means that they receive life in the light of God. Life and light belong together. This is seen in Christ: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men“ (John 1:4). In the context in which it appears here, it means that the light shows the believer the way in the darkness in which the world is shrouded. It is about the light of God giving light in the darkness.

The deeper meaning is that the light shines into dark human hearts and reveals what is in them. It reveals the sinner and also shows Who God is and what He has done to save the sinner.

Psalms 71:3

Precious Lovingkindness

Without transition, without introduction, suddenly the LORD is there (Psalms 36:5). How is that possible? The answer is: His lovingkindness, or His covenant faithfulness. For us, the LORD’s actions are based on the blood of the new covenant, which is for us. His faithfulness is based on the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. This psalm, as noted at Psalms 36:1b, is an oracle of God, indicating that everything here is seen from God’s point of view. Therefore, here in Psalms 36:5 we can have the abrupt transition into a song of praise to God’s covenant faithfulness.

In contrast to the glorification of the ungodly of himself in Psalms 36:2, is the glorification of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness by the God-fearing (Psalms 36:5). God’s “lovingkindness, … extends to the heavens”. This means that God’s lovingkindness will accompany the righteous on earth until he is in heaven. Also, the righteous counts on the faithfulness of God that goes beyond the earthly events and reaches “to the skies”.

It means that the lovingkindness and faithfulness of God are immeasurably great (cf. Psalms 57:10). As far as the eye reaches, they are visible. Lovingkindness is the source of God’s acting and provides comfort in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness is the anchor to which the believer clings. Faithfulness offers security.

Attached to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness is His “righteousness” (Psalms 36:6). It is unshakable “like the mountains of God”, like the mighty mountains. His righteousness is manifested in His government which is for judgment to the ungodly and for redemption to the righteous. He always acts in accordance with Who He is, in accordance with His holiness and His love.

In His judgments in the great tribulation, which are like “a great deep”, He preserves “men and beasts”. This recalls God’s judgment of the flood (Genesis 7:11), that men and beasts are preserved in the ark and then come out of the ark onto an earth cleansed by the judgments (Genesis 8:18-19). So it will be in the realm of peace after the great tribulation (Romans 8:20-21).

In the realm of peace, it will become clear “how precious” God’s “lovingkindness” is, for everything enjoyed then is a result of it (Psalms 36:7). This principle applies not only to the realm of peace. God’s lovingkindness is already now the reason, “for the children of men to take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (cf. Rth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 57:1b; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:4). God offers protection and safety. We see a foreshadowing of this in nature with chicks crawling under mother’s wings when danger threatens (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34).

In the shadow of God’s wings, the children of men find not only protection, but also an abundance of blessings: “They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house” (Psalms 36:8). The blessings here are to be permitted to eat of the peace offering that speaks of fellowship with the LORD and with one another.

God gives them there to drink from “the river of Your delights” or, as it is translated in the Dutch translation, to drink from “the brook full of delectable gifts” (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-5). This is characteristic of the joy of all who partake of the Divine nature. Where God has His joy, that is where His own have their joy. By the “delights” or “delectable gifts” we can think of all the gifts we have received in Christ, both spiritual and material. For both gifts apply: what do we have that we have not received (1 Corinthians 4:7)? All gifts find their summary in the one great gift of God: Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

This abundance of blessings may be enjoyed by us New Testament believers in a higher way than is possible for believers associated with God’s earthly people. Christ has become our life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. We have been given eternal life. Our fellowship is by the Spirit with the Father and the Son and with one another. This causes complete joy (1 John 1:1-4).

We can enjoy all this because we have been put in connection with Him with Whom is “the fountain of life” (Psalms 36:9). Fountain means well of water. Life means a well of living water, water that gives life and refreshment. For us it goes even further. That well is not only “with” us, but in us (John 14:16-17). We have that well in Christ, Who dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17), and in the eternal life – that is He Himself (1 John 5:20) – that we have received (John 4:14). We also have that well within us through the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us, enabling us to become a well of water for others in turn (John 7:37-39).

In addition to being the fountain of life, God is also “light”, and in His light we “see the light”. Seeing the light is connected with “life” (Psalms 49:19). This means that they receive life in the light of God. Life and light belong together. This is seen in Christ: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men“ (John 1:4). In the context in which it appears here, it means that the light shows the believer the way in the darkness in which the world is shrouded. It is about the light of God giving light in the darkness.

The deeper meaning is that the light shines into dark human hearts and reveals what is in them. It reveals the sinner and also shows Who God is and what He has done to save the sinner.

Psalms 71:4

Precious Lovingkindness

Without transition, without introduction, suddenly the LORD is there (Psalms 36:5). How is that possible? The answer is: His lovingkindness, or His covenant faithfulness. For us, the LORD’s actions are based on the blood of the new covenant, which is for us. His faithfulness is based on the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. This psalm, as noted at Psalms 36:1b, is an oracle of God, indicating that everything here is seen from God’s point of view. Therefore, here in Psalms 36:5 we can have the abrupt transition into a song of praise to God’s covenant faithfulness.

In contrast to the glorification of the ungodly of himself in Psalms 36:2, is the glorification of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness by the God-fearing (Psalms 36:5). God’s “lovingkindness, … extends to the heavens”. This means that God’s lovingkindness will accompany the righteous on earth until he is in heaven. Also, the righteous counts on the faithfulness of God that goes beyond the earthly events and reaches “to the skies”.

It means that the lovingkindness and faithfulness of God are immeasurably great (cf. Psalms 57:10). As far as the eye reaches, they are visible. Lovingkindness is the source of God’s acting and provides comfort in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness is the anchor to which the believer clings. Faithfulness offers security.

Attached to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness is His “righteousness” (Psalms 36:6). It is unshakable “like the mountains of God”, like the mighty mountains. His righteousness is manifested in His government which is for judgment to the ungodly and for redemption to the righteous. He always acts in accordance with Who He is, in accordance with His holiness and His love.

In His judgments in the great tribulation, which are like “a great deep”, He preserves “men and beasts”. This recalls God’s judgment of the flood (Genesis 7:11), that men and beasts are preserved in the ark and then come out of the ark onto an earth cleansed by the judgments (Genesis 8:18-19). So it will be in the realm of peace after the great tribulation (Romans 8:20-21).

In the realm of peace, it will become clear “how precious” God’s “lovingkindness” is, for everything enjoyed then is a result of it (Psalms 36:7). This principle applies not only to the realm of peace. God’s lovingkindness is already now the reason, “for the children of men to take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (cf. Rth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 57:1b; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:4). God offers protection and safety. We see a foreshadowing of this in nature with chicks crawling under mother’s wings when danger threatens (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34).

In the shadow of God’s wings, the children of men find not only protection, but also an abundance of blessings: “They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house” (Psalms 36:8). The blessings here are to be permitted to eat of the peace offering that speaks of fellowship with the LORD and with one another.

God gives them there to drink from “the river of Your delights” or, as it is translated in the Dutch translation, to drink from “the brook full of delectable gifts” (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-5). This is characteristic of the joy of all who partake of the Divine nature. Where God has His joy, that is where His own have their joy. By the “delights” or “delectable gifts” we can think of all the gifts we have received in Christ, both spiritual and material. For both gifts apply: what do we have that we have not received (1 Corinthians 4:7)? All gifts find their summary in the one great gift of God: Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

This abundance of blessings may be enjoyed by us New Testament believers in a higher way than is possible for believers associated with God’s earthly people. Christ has become our life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. We have been given eternal life. Our fellowship is by the Spirit with the Father and the Son and with one another. This causes complete joy (1 John 1:1-4).

We can enjoy all this because we have been put in connection with Him with Whom is “the fountain of life” (Psalms 36:9). Fountain means well of water. Life means a well of living water, water that gives life and refreshment. For us it goes even further. That well is not only “with” us, but in us (John 14:16-17). We have that well in Christ, Who dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17), and in the eternal life – that is He Himself (1 John 5:20) – that we have received (John 4:14). We also have that well within us through the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us, enabling us to become a well of water for others in turn (John 7:37-39).

In addition to being the fountain of life, God is also “light”, and in His light we “see the light”. Seeing the light is connected with “life” (Psalms 49:19). This means that they receive life in the light of God. Life and light belong together. This is seen in Christ: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men“ (John 1:4). In the context in which it appears here, it means that the light shows the believer the way in the darkness in which the world is shrouded. It is about the light of God giving light in the darkness.

The deeper meaning is that the light shines into dark human hearts and reveals what is in them. It reveals the sinner and also shows Who God is and what He has done to save the sinner.

Psalms 71:5

Precious Lovingkindness

Without transition, without introduction, suddenly the LORD is there (Psalms 36:5). How is that possible? The answer is: His lovingkindness, or His covenant faithfulness. For us, the LORD’s actions are based on the blood of the new covenant, which is for us. His faithfulness is based on the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. This psalm, as noted at Psalms 36:1b, is an oracle of God, indicating that everything here is seen from God’s point of view. Therefore, here in Psalms 36:5 we can have the abrupt transition into a song of praise to God’s covenant faithfulness.

In contrast to the glorification of the ungodly of himself in Psalms 36:2, is the glorification of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness by the God-fearing (Psalms 36:5). God’s “lovingkindness, … extends to the heavens”. This means that God’s lovingkindness will accompany the righteous on earth until he is in heaven. Also, the righteous counts on the faithfulness of God that goes beyond the earthly events and reaches “to the skies”.

It means that the lovingkindness and faithfulness of God are immeasurably great (cf. Psalms 57:10). As far as the eye reaches, they are visible. Lovingkindness is the source of God’s acting and provides comfort in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness is the anchor to which the believer clings. Faithfulness offers security.

Attached to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness is His “righteousness” (Psalms 36:6). It is unshakable “like the mountains of God”, like the mighty mountains. His righteousness is manifested in His government which is for judgment to the ungodly and for redemption to the righteous. He always acts in accordance with Who He is, in accordance with His holiness and His love.

In His judgments in the great tribulation, which are like “a great deep”, He preserves “men and beasts”. This recalls God’s judgment of the flood (Genesis 7:11), that men and beasts are preserved in the ark and then come out of the ark onto an earth cleansed by the judgments (Genesis 8:18-19). So it will be in the realm of peace after the great tribulation (Romans 8:20-21).

In the realm of peace, it will become clear “how precious” God’s “lovingkindness” is, for everything enjoyed then is a result of it (Psalms 36:7). This principle applies not only to the realm of peace. God’s lovingkindness is already now the reason, “for the children of men to take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (cf. Rth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 57:1b; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:4). God offers protection and safety. We see a foreshadowing of this in nature with chicks crawling under mother’s wings when danger threatens (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34).

In the shadow of God’s wings, the children of men find not only protection, but also an abundance of blessings: “They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house” (Psalms 36:8). The blessings here are to be permitted to eat of the peace offering that speaks of fellowship with the LORD and with one another.

God gives them there to drink from “the river of Your delights” or, as it is translated in the Dutch translation, to drink from “the brook full of delectable gifts” (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-5). This is characteristic of the joy of all who partake of the Divine nature. Where God has His joy, that is where His own have their joy. By the “delights” or “delectable gifts” we can think of all the gifts we have received in Christ, both spiritual and material. For both gifts apply: what do we have that we have not received (1 Corinthians 4:7)? All gifts find their summary in the one great gift of God: Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

This abundance of blessings may be enjoyed by us New Testament believers in a higher way than is possible for believers associated with God’s earthly people. Christ has become our life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. We have been given eternal life. Our fellowship is by the Spirit with the Father and the Son and with one another. This causes complete joy (1 John 1:1-4).

We can enjoy all this because we have been put in connection with Him with Whom is “the fountain of life” (Psalms 36:9). Fountain means well of water. Life means a well of living water, water that gives life and refreshment. For us it goes even further. That well is not only “with” us, but in us (John 14:16-17). We have that well in Christ, Who dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17), and in the eternal life – that is He Himself (1 John 5:20) – that we have received (John 4:14). We also have that well within us through the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us, enabling us to become a well of water for others in turn (John 7:37-39).

In addition to being the fountain of life, God is also “light”, and in His light we “see the light”. Seeing the light is connected with “life” (Psalms 49:19). This means that they receive life in the light of God. Life and light belong together. This is seen in Christ: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men“ (John 1:4). In the context in which it appears here, it means that the light shows the believer the way in the darkness in which the world is shrouded. It is about the light of God giving light in the darkness.

The deeper meaning is that the light shines into dark human hearts and reveals what is in them. It reveals the sinner and also shows Who God is and what He has done to save the sinner.

Psalms 71:6

Precious Lovingkindness

Without transition, without introduction, suddenly the LORD is there (Psalms 36:5). How is that possible? The answer is: His lovingkindness, or His covenant faithfulness. For us, the LORD’s actions are based on the blood of the new covenant, which is for us. His faithfulness is based on the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. This psalm, as noted at Psalms 36:1b, is an oracle of God, indicating that everything here is seen from God’s point of view. Therefore, here in Psalms 36:5 we can have the abrupt transition into a song of praise to God’s covenant faithfulness.

In contrast to the glorification of the ungodly of himself in Psalms 36:2, is the glorification of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness by the God-fearing (Psalms 36:5). God’s “lovingkindness, … extends to the heavens”. This means that God’s lovingkindness will accompany the righteous on earth until he is in heaven. Also, the righteous counts on the faithfulness of God that goes beyond the earthly events and reaches “to the skies”.

It means that the lovingkindness and faithfulness of God are immeasurably great (cf. Psalms 57:10). As far as the eye reaches, they are visible. Lovingkindness is the source of God’s acting and provides comfort in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness is the anchor to which the believer clings. Faithfulness offers security.

Attached to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness is His “righteousness” (Psalms 36:6). It is unshakable “like the mountains of God”, like the mighty mountains. His righteousness is manifested in His government which is for judgment to the ungodly and for redemption to the righteous. He always acts in accordance with Who He is, in accordance with His holiness and His love.

In His judgments in the great tribulation, which are like “a great deep”, He preserves “men and beasts”. This recalls God’s judgment of the flood (Genesis 7:11), that men and beasts are preserved in the ark and then come out of the ark onto an earth cleansed by the judgments (Genesis 8:18-19). So it will be in the realm of peace after the great tribulation (Romans 8:20-21).

In the realm of peace, it will become clear “how precious” God’s “lovingkindness” is, for everything enjoyed then is a result of it (Psalms 36:7). This principle applies not only to the realm of peace. God’s lovingkindness is already now the reason, “for the children of men to take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (cf. Rth 2:12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 57:1b; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:4). God offers protection and safety. We see a foreshadowing of this in nature with chicks crawling under mother’s wings when danger threatens (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34).

In the shadow of God’s wings, the children of men find not only protection, but also an abundance of blessings: “They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house” (Psalms 36:8). The blessings here are to be permitted to eat of the peace offering that speaks of fellowship with the LORD and with one another.

God gives them there to drink from “the river of Your delights” or, as it is translated in the Dutch translation, to drink from “the brook full of delectable gifts” (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-5). This is characteristic of the joy of all who partake of the Divine nature. Where God has His joy, that is where His own have their joy. By the “delights” or “delectable gifts” we can think of all the gifts we have received in Christ, both spiritual and material. For both gifts apply: what do we have that we have not received (1 Corinthians 4:7)? All gifts find their summary in the one great gift of God: Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

This abundance of blessings may be enjoyed by us New Testament believers in a higher way than is possible for believers associated with God’s earthly people. Christ has become our life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. We have been given eternal life. Our fellowship is by the Spirit with the Father and the Son and with one another. This causes complete joy (1 John 1:1-4).

We can enjoy all this because we have been put in connection with Him with Whom is “the fountain of life” (Psalms 36:9). Fountain means well of water. Life means a well of living water, water that gives life and refreshment. For us it goes even further. That well is not only “with” us, but in us (John 14:16-17). We have that well in Christ, Who dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17), and in the eternal life – that is He Himself (1 John 5:20) – that we have received (John 4:14). We also have that well within us through the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us, enabling us to become a well of water for others in turn (John 7:37-39).

In addition to being the fountain of life, God is also “light”, and in His light we “see the light”. Seeing the light is connected with “life” (Psalms 49:19). This means that they receive life in the light of God. Life and light belong together. This is seen in Christ: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men“ (John 1:4). In the context in which it appears here, it means that the light shows the believer the way in the darkness in which the world is shrouded. It is about the light of God giving light in the darkness.

The deeper meaning is that the light shines into dark human hearts and reveals what is in them. It reveals the sinner and also shows Who God is and what He has done to save the sinner.

Psalms 71:7

Lovingkindness and Righteousness

Here we come to the third section of the psalm. In the first section we have seen the features of the ungodly. In the second section, we heard a song of praise about the covenant faithfulness of God, of His lovingkindness. In this third section, the psalmist asks if the LORD will show His lovingkindness on those who know Him. They call themselves those who know the LORD and are upright.

Who the ungodly is and Who God is has been clarified. Now David can pray for the lovingkindness and righteousness of God for the righteous (Psalms 36:10). Here, as in Psalms 36:5-6, lovingkindness and righteousness are linked together.

When David thinks of God’s lovingkindness and righteousness, he cannot just think of himself. He asks if God will also extend His lovingkindness and righteousness over His own. This makes one think of protection and security. Therein lies, both for David himself and for those who are with him security against the enemy.

He speaks of “those who know You” and “the upright in heart”. They are the “we” of Psalms 36:9. Those who know God are those who live in fellowship with God. It means they trust Him and are faithful to Him. In the heart of the upright in heart are no curves, side paths, or ulterior motives (cf. Psalms 7:10; Psalms 11:2; Psalms 32:11). They are distinguished from those who deny God in their heart and have no awe of Him (Psalms 36:1).

Following on from Psalms 36:10, David asks in Psalms 36:11 to be kept from the proud and wicked (cf. Matthew 6:13). He speaks of “the foot of pride” and “the hand of the wicked”. He does not want to be trampled by the foot of the proud or chased away by the hand of the wicked. He would like to enjoy God’s lovingkindness and righteousness undisturbed and serve Him. Therefore, he does not want to be overrun by the boasters and have to wander around to stay out of the hands of the wicked.

David concludes his prayer by expressing the certainty that “the doers of iniquity” will meet their end (Psalms 36:12). He sees the future as present. When the God-fearing takes shelter in the shadow of the LORD’s wings, the wicked cannot stand (Psalms 1:5). They have fallen because they have been cast down, which also prevents them from rising again to start committing iniquity again.

Psalms 71:8

Lovingkindness and Righteousness

Here we come to the third section of the psalm. In the first section we have seen the features of the ungodly. In the second section, we heard a song of praise about the covenant faithfulness of God, of His lovingkindness. In this third section, the psalmist asks if the LORD will show His lovingkindness on those who know Him. They call themselves those who know the LORD and are upright.

Who the ungodly is and Who God is has been clarified. Now David can pray for the lovingkindness and righteousness of God for the righteous (Psalms 36:10). Here, as in Psalms 36:5-6, lovingkindness and righteousness are linked together.

When David thinks of God’s lovingkindness and righteousness, he cannot just think of himself. He asks if God will also extend His lovingkindness and righteousness over His own. This makes one think of protection and security. Therein lies, both for David himself and for those who are with him security against the enemy.

He speaks of “those who know You” and “the upright in heart”. They are the “we” of Psalms 36:9. Those who know God are those who live in fellowship with God. It means they trust Him and are faithful to Him. In the heart of the upright in heart are no curves, side paths, or ulterior motives (cf. Psalms 7:10; Psalms 11:2; Psalms 32:11). They are distinguished from those who deny God in their heart and have no awe of Him (Psalms 36:1).

Following on from Psalms 36:10, David asks in Psalms 36:11 to be kept from the proud and wicked (cf. Matthew 6:13). He speaks of “the foot of pride” and “the hand of the wicked”. He does not want to be trampled by the foot of the proud or chased away by the hand of the wicked. He would like to enjoy God’s lovingkindness and righteousness undisturbed and serve Him. Therefore, he does not want to be overrun by the boasters and have to wander around to stay out of the hands of the wicked.

David concludes his prayer by expressing the certainty that “the doers of iniquity” will meet their end (Psalms 36:12). He sees the future as present. When the God-fearing takes shelter in the shadow of the LORD’s wings, the wicked cannot stand (Psalms 1:5). They have fallen because they have been cast down, which also prevents them from rising again to start committing iniquity again.

Psalms 71:9

Lovingkindness and Righteousness

Here we come to the third section of the psalm. In the first section we have seen the features of the ungodly. In the second section, we heard a song of praise about the covenant faithfulness of God, of His lovingkindness. In this third section, the psalmist asks if the LORD will show His lovingkindness on those who know Him. They call themselves those who know the LORD and are upright.

Who the ungodly is and Who God is has been clarified. Now David can pray for the lovingkindness and righteousness of God for the righteous (Psalms 36:10). Here, as in Psalms 36:5-6, lovingkindness and righteousness are linked together.

When David thinks of God’s lovingkindness and righteousness, he cannot just think of himself. He asks if God will also extend His lovingkindness and righteousness over His own. This makes one think of protection and security. Therein lies, both for David himself and for those who are with him security against the enemy.

He speaks of “those who know You” and “the upright in heart”. They are the “we” of Psalms 36:9. Those who know God are those who live in fellowship with God. It means they trust Him and are faithful to Him. In the heart of the upright in heart are no curves, side paths, or ulterior motives (cf. Psalms 7:10; Psalms 11:2; Psalms 32:11). They are distinguished from those who deny God in their heart and have no awe of Him (Psalms 36:1).

Following on from Psalms 36:10, David asks in Psalms 36:11 to be kept from the proud and wicked (cf. Matthew 6:13). He speaks of “the foot of pride” and “the hand of the wicked”. He does not want to be trampled by the foot of the proud or chased away by the hand of the wicked. He would like to enjoy God’s lovingkindness and righteousness undisturbed and serve Him. Therefore, he does not want to be overrun by the boasters and have to wander around to stay out of the hands of the wicked.

David concludes his prayer by expressing the certainty that “the doers of iniquity” will meet their end (Psalms 36:12). He sees the future as present. When the God-fearing takes shelter in the shadow of the LORD’s wings, the wicked cannot stand (Psalms 1:5). They have fallen because they have been cast down, which also prevents them from rising again to start committing iniquity again.

Psalms 71:11

Introduction

This psalm instructs the believing remnant about the ways of God in the time when Israel is being purified (Malachi 3:3a). It is a wisdom psalm, comparable to the book of Proverbs. Its form is the acrostic, because each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is not quite perfect in form, as an indication that the perfect is yet to come.

The instruction is given by comparing the ways and characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. It is the recurring theme of Psalm 1. In terms of content, this psalm can be compared to and is thus a continuation of Psalm 36.

The psalm is an encouragement to the remnant in the end time, and also to the believers now, to wait for God. Then they will not let themselves be confused by paying attention to the temporary prosperity of the wicked who surround them. The psalm shows that eventually the wicked will be exterminated and the righteous will possess the earth as an inheritance given to them by God. It will go well for the righteous and bad for the wicked. The emphasis is on the faithful remnant of Israel who will ultimately inherit the realm of peace (Psalms 37:3; 9; 11; 22; 34).

Trust in the LORD

For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psalms 37:1a) see at Psalms 3:1.

David begins the psalm without introduction or polite phrases. If there is danger, like fire for example, you immediately start shouting ‘fire, fire!’ Here the believers are exposed to a great danger: to envy the unbelievers (cf. Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1; 19).

The psalmist begins directly with the core of his theme by exhorting the righteous not to fret because of evildoers and not to be envious toward wrongdoers (Psalms 37:1b; Proverbs 24:19). When we fret, it shows that we do not trust God. When we become jealous of someone, envy someone for something, it is even worse, because then we are thinking only of ourselves. Deep down, it means that we have no understanding of the ways of God. This is elaborated in Psalms 73 (Psalms 73:1-17).

It is necessary to live with the peace of God in our hearts in the midst of evil. We are living in the midst of people who seem to be able to go their way undisturbed at the expense of others, without being stopped. The righteous can get upset about this. But, says David, he should not do that.

It is unnecessary and pointless, because evildoers are only allowed a short stay on earth and then it is over and done for them (Psalms 37:2). They will wither quickly like the grass, and they will fade like the green herb (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24; James 1:9-11). The grass is a picture of the unbelieving part of the people, looking green and prosperous (Isaiah 40:6-8). David here highlights life from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of the indirect government of God in view of the prophecies.

David has not only a negative warning in Psalms 37:1-2, but also a positive encouragement to trust in the LORD and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:4). He directs the eye of the righteous above the earthly scene to God in Psalms 37:3. Let him trust Him and do good. This is the proper response to the prevailing evil. First, it is important to trust in God and then to do good. Doing good in the midst of evil gives glory to God. It is what Christ did in His life on earth. To us it is said: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary“ (Galatians 6:9).

Instead of harboring self-pity or bitterness, wisdom points us to growing confidence in the LORD. The Old Testament believer – as well as the faithful remnant in the future – is encouraged to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”. “Cultivate faithfulness” means to feed or to give food to faithfulness that it can grow. Faithfulness is not food with which a person can feed himself. Faithfulness is a fundamental attitude in which a person has to grow, which becomes visible in his comings and goings.

He who cultivates or feeds faithfulness, who grows in faithfulness, will not worry about the wicked around him or envy them. His task is to see the land given to him by God as his home. He cannot yet fully enjoy it, but he lives there. For us, we live in the heavenlies and there we can enjoy all the blessings that have been given to us. This will keep us from focusing on the prosperity of this world.

He who cultivates faithfulness will have rest and peace in his heart in the midst of evil. This is true for all believers in all times. Faithfulness is the most important thing in the life of the believer and is rewarded by the Lord with giving him entrance into His joy (Matthew 25:21; 23).

That joy can be enjoyed right now. We hear that in the encouragement to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalms 37:4). That is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c) and also gives rich reward. For God then gives what our heart desires. If the heart delights in God, the desires of the heart will not be selfish, but will be aimed at honoring and glorifying God.

The third encouragement is to commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew word implies the rolling of something that is large and heavy. This makes it clear that it is not easy and light to trust in the Lord in the midst of our problems.

If we roll our life’s journey with all its burdens and difficulties, with everything that weighs on us, on Him, He will bear it all. It is also important to commit it to Him with the confidence that it is in good hands. We can then let go, even if it seems that something is not going well. The way He determines is good. Added to that we may trust that He will do it, that is, that He will do what He has promised, even if sometimes it seems that things are going completely the wrong way.

What He has promised is to bring forth our righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). That happens when the LORD starts acting in accordance with His purposes and promises. That is as certain and as shining as the coming of the morning light. He will make our judgment shine as the noonday. Now it is still our portion to be treated unjustly and to endure injustice. Until He openly justifies us, we may, following the Lord Jesus, surrender everything and ourselves to Him Who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalms 71:12

Introduction

This psalm instructs the believing remnant about the ways of God in the time when Israel is being purified (Malachi 3:3a). It is a wisdom psalm, comparable to the book of Proverbs. Its form is the acrostic, because each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is not quite perfect in form, as an indication that the perfect is yet to come.

The instruction is given by comparing the ways and characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. It is the recurring theme of Psalm 1. In terms of content, this psalm can be compared to and is thus a continuation of Psalm 36.

The psalm is an encouragement to the remnant in the end time, and also to the believers now, to wait for God. Then they will not let themselves be confused by paying attention to the temporary prosperity of the wicked who surround them. The psalm shows that eventually the wicked will be exterminated and the righteous will possess the earth as an inheritance given to them by God. It will go well for the righteous and bad for the wicked. The emphasis is on the faithful remnant of Israel who will ultimately inherit the realm of peace (Psalms 37:3; 9; 11; 22; 34).

Trust in the LORD

For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psalms 37:1a) see at Psalms 3:1.

David begins the psalm without introduction or polite phrases. If there is danger, like fire for example, you immediately start shouting ‘fire, fire!’ Here the believers are exposed to a great danger: to envy the unbelievers (cf. Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1; 19).

The psalmist begins directly with the core of his theme by exhorting the righteous not to fret because of evildoers and not to be envious toward wrongdoers (Psalms 37:1b; Proverbs 24:19). When we fret, it shows that we do not trust God. When we become jealous of someone, envy someone for something, it is even worse, because then we are thinking only of ourselves. Deep down, it means that we have no understanding of the ways of God. This is elaborated in Psalms 73 (Psalms 73:1-17).

It is necessary to live with the peace of God in our hearts in the midst of evil. We are living in the midst of people who seem to be able to go their way undisturbed at the expense of others, without being stopped. The righteous can get upset about this. But, says David, he should not do that.

It is unnecessary and pointless, because evildoers are only allowed a short stay on earth and then it is over and done for them (Psalms 37:2). They will wither quickly like the grass, and they will fade like the green herb (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24; James 1:9-11). The grass is a picture of the unbelieving part of the people, looking green and prosperous (Isaiah 40:6-8). David here highlights life from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of the indirect government of God in view of the prophecies.

David has not only a negative warning in Psalms 37:1-2, but also a positive encouragement to trust in the LORD and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:4). He directs the eye of the righteous above the earthly scene to God in Psalms 37:3. Let him trust Him and do good. This is the proper response to the prevailing evil. First, it is important to trust in God and then to do good. Doing good in the midst of evil gives glory to God. It is what Christ did in His life on earth. To us it is said: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary“ (Galatians 6:9).

Instead of harboring self-pity or bitterness, wisdom points us to growing confidence in the LORD. The Old Testament believer – as well as the faithful remnant in the future – is encouraged to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”. “Cultivate faithfulness” means to feed or to give food to faithfulness that it can grow. Faithfulness is not food with which a person can feed himself. Faithfulness is a fundamental attitude in which a person has to grow, which becomes visible in his comings and goings.

He who cultivates or feeds faithfulness, who grows in faithfulness, will not worry about the wicked around him or envy them. His task is to see the land given to him by God as his home. He cannot yet fully enjoy it, but he lives there. For us, we live in the heavenlies and there we can enjoy all the blessings that have been given to us. This will keep us from focusing on the prosperity of this world.

He who cultivates faithfulness will have rest and peace in his heart in the midst of evil. This is true for all believers in all times. Faithfulness is the most important thing in the life of the believer and is rewarded by the Lord with giving him entrance into His joy (Matthew 25:21; 23).

That joy can be enjoyed right now. We hear that in the encouragement to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalms 37:4). That is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c) and also gives rich reward. For God then gives what our heart desires. If the heart delights in God, the desires of the heart will not be selfish, but will be aimed at honoring and glorifying God.

The third encouragement is to commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew word implies the rolling of something that is large and heavy. This makes it clear that it is not easy and light to trust in the Lord in the midst of our problems.

If we roll our life’s journey with all its burdens and difficulties, with everything that weighs on us, on Him, He will bear it all. It is also important to commit it to Him with the confidence that it is in good hands. We can then let go, even if it seems that something is not going well. The way He determines is good. Added to that we may trust that He will do it, that is, that He will do what He has promised, even if sometimes it seems that things are going completely the wrong way.

What He has promised is to bring forth our righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). That happens when the LORD starts acting in accordance with His purposes and promises. That is as certain and as shining as the coming of the morning light. He will make our judgment shine as the noonday. Now it is still our portion to be treated unjustly and to endure injustice. Until He openly justifies us, we may, following the Lord Jesus, surrender everything and ourselves to Him Who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalms 71:13

Introduction

This psalm instructs the believing remnant about the ways of God in the time when Israel is being purified (Malachi 3:3a). It is a wisdom psalm, comparable to the book of Proverbs. Its form is the acrostic, because each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is not quite perfect in form, as an indication that the perfect is yet to come.

The instruction is given by comparing the ways and characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. It is the recurring theme of Psalm 1. In terms of content, this psalm can be compared to and is thus a continuation of Psalm 36.

The psalm is an encouragement to the remnant in the end time, and also to the believers now, to wait for God. Then they will not let themselves be confused by paying attention to the temporary prosperity of the wicked who surround them. The psalm shows that eventually the wicked will be exterminated and the righteous will possess the earth as an inheritance given to them by God. It will go well for the righteous and bad for the wicked. The emphasis is on the faithful remnant of Israel who will ultimately inherit the realm of peace (Psalms 37:3; 9; 11; 22; 34).

Trust in the LORD

For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psalms 37:1a) see at Psalms 3:1.

David begins the psalm without introduction or polite phrases. If there is danger, like fire for example, you immediately start shouting ‘fire, fire!’ Here the believers are exposed to a great danger: to envy the unbelievers (cf. Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1; 19).

The psalmist begins directly with the core of his theme by exhorting the righteous not to fret because of evildoers and not to be envious toward wrongdoers (Psalms 37:1b; Proverbs 24:19). When we fret, it shows that we do not trust God. When we become jealous of someone, envy someone for something, it is even worse, because then we are thinking only of ourselves. Deep down, it means that we have no understanding of the ways of God. This is elaborated in Psalms 73 (Psalms 73:1-17).

It is necessary to live with the peace of God in our hearts in the midst of evil. We are living in the midst of people who seem to be able to go their way undisturbed at the expense of others, without being stopped. The righteous can get upset about this. But, says David, he should not do that.

It is unnecessary and pointless, because evildoers are only allowed a short stay on earth and then it is over and done for them (Psalms 37:2). They will wither quickly like the grass, and they will fade like the green herb (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24; James 1:9-11). The grass is a picture of the unbelieving part of the people, looking green and prosperous (Isaiah 40:6-8). David here highlights life from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of the indirect government of God in view of the prophecies.

David has not only a negative warning in Psalms 37:1-2, but also a positive encouragement to trust in the LORD and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:4). He directs the eye of the righteous above the earthly scene to God in Psalms 37:3. Let him trust Him and do good. This is the proper response to the prevailing evil. First, it is important to trust in God and then to do good. Doing good in the midst of evil gives glory to God. It is what Christ did in His life on earth. To us it is said: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary“ (Galatians 6:9).

Instead of harboring self-pity or bitterness, wisdom points us to growing confidence in the LORD. The Old Testament believer – as well as the faithful remnant in the future – is encouraged to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”. “Cultivate faithfulness” means to feed or to give food to faithfulness that it can grow. Faithfulness is not food with which a person can feed himself. Faithfulness is a fundamental attitude in which a person has to grow, which becomes visible in his comings and goings.

He who cultivates or feeds faithfulness, who grows in faithfulness, will not worry about the wicked around him or envy them. His task is to see the land given to him by God as his home. He cannot yet fully enjoy it, but he lives there. For us, we live in the heavenlies and there we can enjoy all the blessings that have been given to us. This will keep us from focusing on the prosperity of this world.

He who cultivates faithfulness will have rest and peace in his heart in the midst of evil. This is true for all believers in all times. Faithfulness is the most important thing in the life of the believer and is rewarded by the Lord with giving him entrance into His joy (Matthew 25:21; 23).

That joy can be enjoyed right now. We hear that in the encouragement to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalms 37:4). That is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c) and also gives rich reward. For God then gives what our heart desires. If the heart delights in God, the desires of the heart will not be selfish, but will be aimed at honoring and glorifying God.

The third encouragement is to commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew word implies the rolling of something that is large and heavy. This makes it clear that it is not easy and light to trust in the Lord in the midst of our problems.

If we roll our life’s journey with all its burdens and difficulties, with everything that weighs on us, on Him, He will bear it all. It is also important to commit it to Him with the confidence that it is in good hands. We can then let go, even if it seems that something is not going well. The way He determines is good. Added to that we may trust that He will do it, that is, that He will do what He has promised, even if sometimes it seems that things are going completely the wrong way.

What He has promised is to bring forth our righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). That happens when the LORD starts acting in accordance with His purposes and promises. That is as certain and as shining as the coming of the morning light. He will make our judgment shine as the noonday. Now it is still our portion to be treated unjustly and to endure injustice. Until He openly justifies us, we may, following the Lord Jesus, surrender everything and ourselves to Him Who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalms 71:14

Introduction

This psalm instructs the believing remnant about the ways of God in the time when Israel is being purified (Malachi 3:3a). It is a wisdom psalm, comparable to the book of Proverbs. Its form is the acrostic, because each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is not quite perfect in form, as an indication that the perfect is yet to come.

The instruction is given by comparing the ways and characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. It is the recurring theme of Psalm 1. In terms of content, this psalm can be compared to and is thus a continuation of Psalm 36.

The psalm is an encouragement to the remnant in the end time, and also to the believers now, to wait for God. Then they will not let themselves be confused by paying attention to the temporary prosperity of the wicked who surround them. The psalm shows that eventually the wicked will be exterminated and the righteous will possess the earth as an inheritance given to them by God. It will go well for the righteous and bad for the wicked. The emphasis is on the faithful remnant of Israel who will ultimately inherit the realm of peace (Psalms 37:3; 9; 11; 22; 34).

Trust in the LORD

For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psalms 37:1a) see at Psalms 3:1.

David begins the psalm without introduction or polite phrases. If there is danger, like fire for example, you immediately start shouting ‘fire, fire!’ Here the believers are exposed to a great danger: to envy the unbelievers (cf. Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1; 19).

The psalmist begins directly with the core of his theme by exhorting the righteous not to fret because of evildoers and not to be envious toward wrongdoers (Psalms 37:1b; Proverbs 24:19). When we fret, it shows that we do not trust God. When we become jealous of someone, envy someone for something, it is even worse, because then we are thinking only of ourselves. Deep down, it means that we have no understanding of the ways of God. This is elaborated in Psalms 73 (Psalms 73:1-17).

It is necessary to live with the peace of God in our hearts in the midst of evil. We are living in the midst of people who seem to be able to go their way undisturbed at the expense of others, without being stopped. The righteous can get upset about this. But, says David, he should not do that.

It is unnecessary and pointless, because evildoers are only allowed a short stay on earth and then it is over and done for them (Psalms 37:2). They will wither quickly like the grass, and they will fade like the green herb (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24; James 1:9-11). The grass is a picture of the unbelieving part of the people, looking green and prosperous (Isaiah 40:6-8). David here highlights life from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of the indirect government of God in view of the prophecies.

David has not only a negative warning in Psalms 37:1-2, but also a positive encouragement to trust in the LORD and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:4). He directs the eye of the righteous above the earthly scene to God in Psalms 37:3. Let him trust Him and do good. This is the proper response to the prevailing evil. First, it is important to trust in God and then to do good. Doing good in the midst of evil gives glory to God. It is what Christ did in His life on earth. To us it is said: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary“ (Galatians 6:9).

Instead of harboring self-pity or bitterness, wisdom points us to growing confidence in the LORD. The Old Testament believer – as well as the faithful remnant in the future – is encouraged to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”. “Cultivate faithfulness” means to feed or to give food to faithfulness that it can grow. Faithfulness is not food with which a person can feed himself. Faithfulness is a fundamental attitude in which a person has to grow, which becomes visible in his comings and goings.

He who cultivates or feeds faithfulness, who grows in faithfulness, will not worry about the wicked around him or envy them. His task is to see the land given to him by God as his home. He cannot yet fully enjoy it, but he lives there. For us, we live in the heavenlies and there we can enjoy all the blessings that have been given to us. This will keep us from focusing on the prosperity of this world.

He who cultivates faithfulness will have rest and peace in his heart in the midst of evil. This is true for all believers in all times. Faithfulness is the most important thing in the life of the believer and is rewarded by the Lord with giving him entrance into His joy (Matthew 25:21; 23).

That joy can be enjoyed right now. We hear that in the encouragement to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalms 37:4). That is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c) and also gives rich reward. For God then gives what our heart desires. If the heart delights in God, the desires of the heart will not be selfish, but will be aimed at honoring and glorifying God.

The third encouragement is to commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew word implies the rolling of something that is large and heavy. This makes it clear that it is not easy and light to trust in the Lord in the midst of our problems.

If we roll our life’s journey with all its burdens and difficulties, with everything that weighs on us, on Him, He will bear it all. It is also important to commit it to Him with the confidence that it is in good hands. We can then let go, even if it seems that something is not going well. The way He determines is good. Added to that we may trust that He will do it, that is, that He will do what He has promised, even if sometimes it seems that things are going completely the wrong way.

What He has promised is to bring forth our righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). That happens when the LORD starts acting in accordance with His purposes and promises. That is as certain and as shining as the coming of the morning light. He will make our judgment shine as the noonday. Now it is still our portion to be treated unjustly and to endure injustice. Until He openly justifies us, we may, following the Lord Jesus, surrender everything and ourselves to Him Who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalms 71:15

Introduction

This psalm instructs the believing remnant about the ways of God in the time when Israel is being purified (Malachi 3:3a). It is a wisdom psalm, comparable to the book of Proverbs. Its form is the acrostic, because each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is not quite perfect in form, as an indication that the perfect is yet to come.

The instruction is given by comparing the ways and characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. It is the recurring theme of Psalm 1. In terms of content, this psalm can be compared to and is thus a continuation of Psalm 36.

The psalm is an encouragement to the remnant in the end time, and also to the believers now, to wait for God. Then they will not let themselves be confused by paying attention to the temporary prosperity of the wicked who surround them. The psalm shows that eventually the wicked will be exterminated and the righteous will possess the earth as an inheritance given to them by God. It will go well for the righteous and bad for the wicked. The emphasis is on the faithful remnant of Israel who will ultimately inherit the realm of peace (Psalms 37:3; 9; 11; 22; 34).

Trust in the LORD

For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psalms 37:1a) see at Psalms 3:1.

David begins the psalm without introduction or polite phrases. If there is danger, like fire for example, you immediately start shouting ‘fire, fire!’ Here the believers are exposed to a great danger: to envy the unbelievers (cf. Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1; 19).

The psalmist begins directly with the core of his theme by exhorting the righteous not to fret because of evildoers and not to be envious toward wrongdoers (Psalms 37:1b; Proverbs 24:19). When we fret, it shows that we do not trust God. When we become jealous of someone, envy someone for something, it is even worse, because then we are thinking only of ourselves. Deep down, it means that we have no understanding of the ways of God. This is elaborated in Psalms 73 (Psalms 73:1-17).

It is necessary to live with the peace of God in our hearts in the midst of evil. We are living in the midst of people who seem to be able to go their way undisturbed at the expense of others, without being stopped. The righteous can get upset about this. But, says David, he should not do that.

It is unnecessary and pointless, because evildoers are only allowed a short stay on earth and then it is over and done for them (Psalms 37:2). They will wither quickly like the grass, and they will fade like the green herb (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24; James 1:9-11). The grass is a picture of the unbelieving part of the people, looking green and prosperous (Isaiah 40:6-8). David here highlights life from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of the indirect government of God in view of the prophecies.

David has not only a negative warning in Psalms 37:1-2, but also a positive encouragement to trust in the LORD and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:4). He directs the eye of the righteous above the earthly scene to God in Psalms 37:3. Let him trust Him and do good. This is the proper response to the prevailing evil. First, it is important to trust in God and then to do good. Doing good in the midst of evil gives glory to God. It is what Christ did in His life on earth. To us it is said: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary“ (Galatians 6:9).

Instead of harboring self-pity or bitterness, wisdom points us to growing confidence in the LORD. The Old Testament believer – as well as the faithful remnant in the future – is encouraged to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”. “Cultivate faithfulness” means to feed or to give food to faithfulness that it can grow. Faithfulness is not food with which a person can feed himself. Faithfulness is a fundamental attitude in which a person has to grow, which becomes visible in his comings and goings.

He who cultivates or feeds faithfulness, who grows in faithfulness, will not worry about the wicked around him or envy them. His task is to see the land given to him by God as his home. He cannot yet fully enjoy it, but he lives there. For us, we live in the heavenlies and there we can enjoy all the blessings that have been given to us. This will keep us from focusing on the prosperity of this world.

He who cultivates faithfulness will have rest and peace in his heart in the midst of evil. This is true for all believers in all times. Faithfulness is the most important thing in the life of the believer and is rewarded by the Lord with giving him entrance into His joy (Matthew 25:21; 23).

That joy can be enjoyed right now. We hear that in the encouragement to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalms 37:4). That is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c) and also gives rich reward. For God then gives what our heart desires. If the heart delights in God, the desires of the heart will not be selfish, but will be aimed at honoring and glorifying God.

The third encouragement is to commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew word implies the rolling of something that is large and heavy. This makes it clear that it is not easy and light to trust in the Lord in the midst of our problems.

If we roll our life’s journey with all its burdens and difficulties, with everything that weighs on us, on Him, He will bear it all. It is also important to commit it to Him with the confidence that it is in good hands. We can then let go, even if it seems that something is not going well. The way He determines is good. Added to that we may trust that He will do it, that is, that He will do what He has promised, even if sometimes it seems that things are going completely the wrong way.

What He has promised is to bring forth our righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). That happens when the LORD starts acting in accordance with His purposes and promises. That is as certain and as shining as the coming of the morning light. He will make our judgment shine as the noonday. Now it is still our portion to be treated unjustly and to endure injustice. Until He openly justifies us, we may, following the Lord Jesus, surrender everything and ourselves to Him Who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalms 71:16

Introduction

This psalm instructs the believing remnant about the ways of God in the time when Israel is being purified (Malachi 3:3a). It is a wisdom psalm, comparable to the book of Proverbs. Its form is the acrostic, because each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is not quite perfect in form, as an indication that the perfect is yet to come.

The instruction is given by comparing the ways and characteristics of the wicked with those of the righteous. It is the recurring theme of Psalm 1. In terms of content, this psalm can be compared to and is thus a continuation of Psalm 36.

The psalm is an encouragement to the remnant in the end time, and also to the believers now, to wait for God. Then they will not let themselves be confused by paying attention to the temporary prosperity of the wicked who surround them. The psalm shows that eventually the wicked will be exterminated and the righteous will possess the earth as an inheritance given to them by God. It will go well for the righteous and bad for the wicked. The emphasis is on the faithful remnant of Israel who will ultimately inherit the realm of peace (Psalms 37:3; 9; 11; 22; 34).

Trust in the LORD

For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psalms 37:1a) see at Psalms 3:1.

David begins the psalm without introduction or polite phrases. If there is danger, like fire for example, you immediately start shouting ‘fire, fire!’ Here the believers are exposed to a great danger: to envy the unbelievers (cf. Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1; 19).

The psalmist begins directly with the core of his theme by exhorting the righteous not to fret because of evildoers and not to be envious toward wrongdoers (Psalms 37:1b; Proverbs 24:19). When we fret, it shows that we do not trust God. When we become jealous of someone, envy someone for something, it is even worse, because then we are thinking only of ourselves. Deep down, it means that we have no understanding of the ways of God. This is elaborated in Psalms 73 (Psalms 73:1-17).

It is necessary to live with the peace of God in our hearts in the midst of evil. We are living in the midst of people who seem to be able to go their way undisturbed at the expense of others, without being stopped. The righteous can get upset about this. But, says David, he should not do that.

It is unnecessary and pointless, because evildoers are only allowed a short stay on earth and then it is over and done for them (Psalms 37:2). They will wither quickly like the grass, and they will fade like the green herb (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24; James 1:9-11). The grass is a picture of the unbelieving part of the people, looking green and prosperous (Isaiah 40:6-8). David here highlights life from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of the indirect government of God in view of the prophecies.

David has not only a negative warning in Psalms 37:1-2, but also a positive encouragement to trust in the LORD and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:4). He directs the eye of the righteous above the earthly scene to God in Psalms 37:3. Let him trust Him and do good. This is the proper response to the prevailing evil. First, it is important to trust in God and then to do good. Doing good in the midst of evil gives glory to God. It is what Christ did in His life on earth. To us it is said: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary“ (Galatians 6:9).

Instead of harboring self-pity or bitterness, wisdom points us to growing confidence in the LORD. The Old Testament believer – as well as the faithful remnant in the future – is encouraged to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”. “Cultivate faithfulness” means to feed or to give food to faithfulness that it can grow. Faithfulness is not food with which a person can feed himself. Faithfulness is a fundamental attitude in which a person has to grow, which becomes visible in his comings and goings.

He who cultivates or feeds faithfulness, who grows in faithfulness, will not worry about the wicked around him or envy them. His task is to see the land given to him by God as his home. He cannot yet fully enjoy it, but he lives there. For us, we live in the heavenlies and there we can enjoy all the blessings that have been given to us. This will keep us from focusing on the prosperity of this world.

He who cultivates faithfulness will have rest and peace in his heart in the midst of evil. This is true for all believers in all times. Faithfulness is the most important thing in the life of the believer and is rewarded by the Lord with giving him entrance into His joy (Matthew 25:21; 23).

That joy can be enjoyed right now. We hear that in the encouragement to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalms 37:4). That is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10c) and also gives rich reward. For God then gives what our heart desires. If the heart delights in God, the desires of the heart will not be selfish, but will be aimed at honoring and glorifying God.

The third encouragement is to commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him (Psalms 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). The Hebrew word implies the rolling of something that is large and heavy. This makes it clear that it is not easy and light to trust in the Lord in the midst of our problems.

If we roll our life’s journey with all its burdens and difficulties, with everything that weighs on us, on Him, He will bear it all. It is also important to commit it to Him with the confidence that it is in good hands. We can then let go, even if it seems that something is not going well. The way He determines is good. Added to that we may trust that He will do it, that is, that He will do what He has promised, even if sometimes it seems that things are going completely the wrong way.

What He has promised is to bring forth our righteousness as the light (Psalms 37:6). That happens when the LORD starts acting in accordance with His purposes and promises. That is as certain and as shining as the coming of the morning light. He will make our judgment shine as the noonday. Now it is still our portion to be treated unjustly and to endure injustice. Until He openly justifies us, we may, following the Lord Jesus, surrender everything and ourselves to Him Who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Psalms 71:17

The Humble Will Inherit the Land

Because the situation promised in Psalms 37:6 is delayed, there is a great danger that the believer will pay attention to the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He should not do that. It is important to rest or be still in confidence in God’s presence and to wait patiently for Him, that is, to wait for His time (Psalms 37:7). It is a silence of quiet confidence in the presence of God in the expectation of His intervention (cf. Psalms 62:5-6). Complaining turns into unbelief, doubt and bitterness when the eye is no longer on God, but on the wicked and their prosperity. Those people have made cunning plans and they also carry them out successfully (Psalms 73:4-9).

Don’t let what you see around you make you mad, says David (Psalms 37:8). Stop being angry with God, regain your composure, calm down. Let go of your grimness, don’t give it any more attention. Come to yourself. Becoming angry accomplishes nothing. On the contrary, it leads “only to evildoing”. In your anger you say things or do things that harm others and yourself and bring dishonor to God. You only make things worse by doing so and become equal to the evildoers.

Now follows a promise with two sides: judgment on evildoers, they will be cut off, and blessing on those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land, that is, enter the realm of peace (Psalms 37:9). What we need to do is trust God in His Word. He has said that the wicked will be cut off. It doesn’t look like it yet at first glance, but He will do it. In contrast to this is what the humble will possess. That is, according to His promise, to “inherit the land”. Do we trust Him? If so, that will determine our attitude toward evil.

To underscore and elaborate and deepen what he said in Psalms 37:9, David repeats in other words in the next two verses how it will end with the wicked man on the one hand and with the humble on the other. As for the wicked man, it is “yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more” (Psalms 37:10). Literally, ‘just a moment, and the wicked man is gone’. Take another good look at his place and consider that it will soon be empty. Nothing will remain of him and all his power, possession and prestige. There will be nothing left of him. Not only will the wicked man himself disappear, but so will everything that reminds one of him. So, just bear with the wicked man for a little while longer that they are doing well. The end of their prosperity is in sight.

As for the humble – Hebrew anawim, those who are oppressed but nevertheless put their trust in the LORD – it is just a little while before they “will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:11). For them, that will mean that they “will delight themselves in abundant prosperity”. Therefore, just a little while persevere, just a little while longer endure suffering, and then the time of joy and peace will begin that will last a thousand years and continue for eternity. It is a great peace, an atmosphere of only peace, and in that atmosphere they delight; it is all joy.

The Lord Jesus quotes the first line of Psa 37:11 in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). Humbleness, or gentleness, is the feature of the remnant in the end time (Zephaniah 2:3). It is also what should characterize us. We can learn this from the Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:29). It means that in the midst of tribulation we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, in quiet expectation of His redemption, having the conviction that the promised inheritance will be given to us (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Psalms 71:18

The Humble Will Inherit the Land

Because the situation promised in Psalms 37:6 is delayed, there is a great danger that the believer will pay attention to the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He should not do that. It is important to rest or be still in confidence in God’s presence and to wait patiently for Him, that is, to wait for His time (Psalms 37:7). It is a silence of quiet confidence in the presence of God in the expectation of His intervention (cf. Psalms 62:5-6). Complaining turns into unbelief, doubt and bitterness when the eye is no longer on God, but on the wicked and their prosperity. Those people have made cunning plans and they also carry them out successfully (Psalms 73:4-9).

Don’t let what you see around you make you mad, says David (Psalms 37:8). Stop being angry with God, regain your composure, calm down. Let go of your grimness, don’t give it any more attention. Come to yourself. Becoming angry accomplishes nothing. On the contrary, it leads “only to evildoing”. In your anger you say things or do things that harm others and yourself and bring dishonor to God. You only make things worse by doing so and become equal to the evildoers.

Now follows a promise with two sides: judgment on evildoers, they will be cut off, and blessing on those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land, that is, enter the realm of peace (Psalms 37:9). What we need to do is trust God in His Word. He has said that the wicked will be cut off. It doesn’t look like it yet at first glance, but He will do it. In contrast to this is what the humble will possess. That is, according to His promise, to “inherit the land”. Do we trust Him? If so, that will determine our attitude toward evil.

To underscore and elaborate and deepen what he said in Psalms 37:9, David repeats in other words in the next two verses how it will end with the wicked man on the one hand and with the humble on the other. As for the wicked man, it is “yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more” (Psalms 37:10). Literally, ‘just a moment, and the wicked man is gone’. Take another good look at his place and consider that it will soon be empty. Nothing will remain of him and all his power, possession and prestige. There will be nothing left of him. Not only will the wicked man himself disappear, but so will everything that reminds one of him. So, just bear with the wicked man for a little while longer that they are doing well. The end of their prosperity is in sight.

As for the humble – Hebrew anawim, those who are oppressed but nevertheless put their trust in the LORD – it is just a little while before they “will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:11). For them, that will mean that they “will delight themselves in abundant prosperity”. Therefore, just a little while persevere, just a little while longer endure suffering, and then the time of joy and peace will begin that will last a thousand years and continue for eternity. It is a great peace, an atmosphere of only peace, and in that atmosphere they delight; it is all joy.

The Lord Jesus quotes the first line of Psa 37:11 in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). Humbleness, or gentleness, is the feature of the remnant in the end time (Zephaniah 2:3). It is also what should characterize us. We can learn this from the Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:29). It means that in the midst of tribulation we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, in quiet expectation of His redemption, having the conviction that the promised inheritance will be given to us (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Psalms 71:19

The Humble Will Inherit the Land

Because the situation promised in Psalms 37:6 is delayed, there is a great danger that the believer will pay attention to the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He should not do that. It is important to rest or be still in confidence in God’s presence and to wait patiently for Him, that is, to wait for His time (Psalms 37:7). It is a silence of quiet confidence in the presence of God in the expectation of His intervention (cf. Psalms 62:5-6). Complaining turns into unbelief, doubt and bitterness when the eye is no longer on God, but on the wicked and their prosperity. Those people have made cunning plans and they also carry them out successfully (Psalms 73:4-9).

Don’t let what you see around you make you mad, says David (Psalms 37:8). Stop being angry with God, regain your composure, calm down. Let go of your grimness, don’t give it any more attention. Come to yourself. Becoming angry accomplishes nothing. On the contrary, it leads “only to evildoing”. In your anger you say things or do things that harm others and yourself and bring dishonor to God. You only make things worse by doing so and become equal to the evildoers.

Now follows a promise with two sides: judgment on evildoers, they will be cut off, and blessing on those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land, that is, enter the realm of peace (Psalms 37:9). What we need to do is trust God in His Word. He has said that the wicked will be cut off. It doesn’t look like it yet at first glance, but He will do it. In contrast to this is what the humble will possess. That is, according to His promise, to “inherit the land”. Do we trust Him? If so, that will determine our attitude toward evil.

To underscore and elaborate and deepen what he said in Psalms 37:9, David repeats in other words in the next two verses how it will end with the wicked man on the one hand and with the humble on the other. As for the wicked man, it is “yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more” (Psalms 37:10). Literally, ‘just a moment, and the wicked man is gone’. Take another good look at his place and consider that it will soon be empty. Nothing will remain of him and all his power, possession and prestige. There will be nothing left of him. Not only will the wicked man himself disappear, but so will everything that reminds one of him. So, just bear with the wicked man for a little while longer that they are doing well. The end of their prosperity is in sight.

As for the humble – Hebrew anawim, those who are oppressed but nevertheless put their trust in the LORD – it is just a little while before they “will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:11). For them, that will mean that they “will delight themselves in abundant prosperity”. Therefore, just a little while persevere, just a little while longer endure suffering, and then the time of joy and peace will begin that will last a thousand years and continue for eternity. It is a great peace, an atmosphere of only peace, and in that atmosphere they delight; it is all joy.

The Lord Jesus quotes the first line of Psa 37:11 in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). Humbleness, or gentleness, is the feature of the remnant in the end time (Zephaniah 2:3). It is also what should characterize us. We can learn this from the Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:29). It means that in the midst of tribulation we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, in quiet expectation of His redemption, having the conviction that the promised inheritance will be given to us (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Psalms 71:20

The Humble Will Inherit the Land

Because the situation promised in Psalms 37:6 is delayed, there is a great danger that the believer will pay attention to the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He should not do that. It is important to rest or be still in confidence in God’s presence and to wait patiently for Him, that is, to wait for His time (Psalms 37:7). It is a silence of quiet confidence in the presence of God in the expectation of His intervention (cf. Psalms 62:5-6). Complaining turns into unbelief, doubt and bitterness when the eye is no longer on God, but on the wicked and their prosperity. Those people have made cunning plans and they also carry them out successfully (Psalms 73:4-9).

Don’t let what you see around you make you mad, says David (Psalms 37:8). Stop being angry with God, regain your composure, calm down. Let go of your grimness, don’t give it any more attention. Come to yourself. Becoming angry accomplishes nothing. On the contrary, it leads “only to evildoing”. In your anger you say things or do things that harm others and yourself and bring dishonor to God. You only make things worse by doing so and become equal to the evildoers.

Now follows a promise with two sides: judgment on evildoers, they will be cut off, and blessing on those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land, that is, enter the realm of peace (Psalms 37:9). What we need to do is trust God in His Word. He has said that the wicked will be cut off. It doesn’t look like it yet at first glance, but He will do it. In contrast to this is what the humble will possess. That is, according to His promise, to “inherit the land”. Do we trust Him? If so, that will determine our attitude toward evil.

To underscore and elaborate and deepen what he said in Psalms 37:9, David repeats in other words in the next two verses how it will end with the wicked man on the one hand and with the humble on the other. As for the wicked man, it is “yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more” (Psalms 37:10). Literally, ‘just a moment, and the wicked man is gone’. Take another good look at his place and consider that it will soon be empty. Nothing will remain of him and all his power, possession and prestige. There will be nothing left of him. Not only will the wicked man himself disappear, but so will everything that reminds one of him. So, just bear with the wicked man for a little while longer that they are doing well. The end of their prosperity is in sight.

As for the humble – Hebrew anawim, those who are oppressed but nevertheless put their trust in the LORD – it is just a little while before they “will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:11). For them, that will mean that they “will delight themselves in abundant prosperity”. Therefore, just a little while persevere, just a little while longer endure suffering, and then the time of joy and peace will begin that will last a thousand years and continue for eternity. It is a great peace, an atmosphere of only peace, and in that atmosphere they delight; it is all joy.

The Lord Jesus quotes the first line of Psa 37:11 in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). Humbleness, or gentleness, is the feature of the remnant in the end time (Zephaniah 2:3). It is also what should characterize us. We can learn this from the Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:29). It means that in the midst of tribulation we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, in quiet expectation of His redemption, having the conviction that the promised inheritance will be given to us (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Psalms 71:21

The Humble Will Inherit the Land

Because the situation promised in Psalms 37:6 is delayed, there is a great danger that the believer will pay attention to the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He should not do that. It is important to rest or be still in confidence in God’s presence and to wait patiently for Him, that is, to wait for His time (Psalms 37:7). It is a silence of quiet confidence in the presence of God in the expectation of His intervention (cf. Psalms 62:5-6). Complaining turns into unbelief, doubt and bitterness when the eye is no longer on God, but on the wicked and their prosperity. Those people have made cunning plans and they also carry them out successfully (Psalms 73:4-9).

Don’t let what you see around you make you mad, says David (Psalms 37:8). Stop being angry with God, regain your composure, calm down. Let go of your grimness, don’t give it any more attention. Come to yourself. Becoming angry accomplishes nothing. On the contrary, it leads “only to evildoing”. In your anger you say things or do things that harm others and yourself and bring dishonor to God. You only make things worse by doing so and become equal to the evildoers.

Now follows a promise with two sides: judgment on evildoers, they will be cut off, and blessing on those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land, that is, enter the realm of peace (Psalms 37:9). What we need to do is trust God in His Word. He has said that the wicked will be cut off. It doesn’t look like it yet at first glance, but He will do it. In contrast to this is what the humble will possess. That is, according to His promise, to “inherit the land”. Do we trust Him? If so, that will determine our attitude toward evil.

To underscore and elaborate and deepen what he said in Psalms 37:9, David repeats in other words in the next two verses how it will end with the wicked man on the one hand and with the humble on the other. As for the wicked man, it is “yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more” (Psalms 37:10). Literally, ‘just a moment, and the wicked man is gone’. Take another good look at his place and consider that it will soon be empty. Nothing will remain of him and all his power, possession and prestige. There will be nothing left of him. Not only will the wicked man himself disappear, but so will everything that reminds one of him. So, just bear with the wicked man for a little while longer that they are doing well. The end of their prosperity is in sight.

As for the humble – Hebrew anawim, those who are oppressed but nevertheless put their trust in the LORD – it is just a little while before they “will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:11). For them, that will mean that they “will delight themselves in abundant prosperity”. Therefore, just a little while persevere, just a little while longer endure suffering, and then the time of joy and peace will begin that will last a thousand years and continue for eternity. It is a great peace, an atmosphere of only peace, and in that atmosphere they delight; it is all joy.

The Lord Jesus quotes the first line of Psa 37:11 in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). Humbleness, or gentleness, is the feature of the remnant in the end time (Zephaniah 2:3). It is also what should characterize us. We can learn this from the Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:29). It means that in the midst of tribulation we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, in quiet expectation of His redemption, having the conviction that the promised inheritance will be given to us (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Psalms 71:22

The Wicked Opposite to the Righteous

So far everything is abstract, the contrast between the ungodly and the righteous is discussed in a doctrinal way. Psalms 37:12-26 are practical, the contrast is now made tangible in everyday life.

This section takes a closer look at the contrast described in Psalms 37:10-11. This deals with the actions of the wicked and God’s response to them. The first contrast is in Psalms 37:12-13. The wicked is continually devising vicious plans “against the righteous” (Psalms 37:12), which is the same as the humble one of Psa 37:11 and Psalms 37:14. As he plots to kill the righteous (Psalms 37:14), he gnashes with his teeth at him (cf. Psalms 35:16). This indicates that inwardly he is very angry with him, he is full of hatred toward him.

The Lord, Adonai, the sovereign Ruler, is totally unimpressed by what the wicked plots and does against the righteous one (Psalms 37:13). While the wicked gnashes with his teeth, He laughs at him, so ridiculous is what the wicked is doing (cf. Psalms 2:1-4). After all, it is supreme folly to turn against Him and utter shortsightedness because the day of judgment is coming on his foolish schemes. The Lord sees “his day”, his end (cf. Psalms 73:17b), which is the day when the wicked will be judged, ahead and the righteous must continue to see it.

The second contrast is in Psalms 37:14-15. The wicked begin the execution of their plans. They “have drawn the sword and bent their bow” (Psalms 37:14). This speaks of the power of the wicked: the sword to kill nearby and bow and arrow to kill at a distance. However, the power (arm) of the wicked will be broken (Psalms 37:15; 17).

Their intention is to “to cast down the afflicted and the needy” and “to slay those who are upright in conduct”. ‘Slay’ is a word often used for the slaughter of cattle. This is how the wicked see the righteous (cf. Psalms 44:22). But God ensures that “their sword will enter their own heart” and that “their bows will be broken” (Psalms 37:15). Their own hearts will be affected because that is where all their wickedness comes from.

The third contrast is in Psalms 37:16-17. In Psalms 37:16, “the little of the righteous” is compared to “the abundance of many wicked”. The outcome is also given directly: What the righteous has is “better” than what the wicked have. The reason is given in Psalms 37:17: “The arms of the wicked will be broken”, so that he has no power to use sword and bow against the righteous, nor to bring any more of his abundance with his hand to his mouth. In contrast, the righteous enjoys the support of God in the little that he has. He does not need to have a powerful arm, for his God helps him. Surely it cannot be a question of who is better off, can it?

The fourth contrast is in Psalms 37:18-20. “The LORD knows the days of the blameless” because they live with Him (Psalms 37:18). They are upright, they desire to do His will. God watches their lives day by day with His loving care. He is interested in everything that happens in their lives every day and helps them.

Their days have no end. The LORD sees the day (singular) of the wicked (Psalms 37:13), but of the righteous, the pious, the upright, He knows their days (plural). What they have been promised by the LORD in terms of inheritance “will be forever”. They will enjoy their inheritance fully and all days in the realm of peace.

This also means that “they will not be ashamed in the time of evil” (Psalms 37:19). After all, the LORD knows them. Also “in the days of famine they will have abundance”. This does not mean that they will always have enough bread, but that they will experience His fellowship in their need. They are not dependent on external circumstances; even disasters cannot prevent the LORD from continuing to provide for them (cf. Psalms 1:3). It is not primarily about material satisfaction, but spiritual satisfaction.

Completely different it will be with the wicked (Psalms 37:20). They will perish. For them there is no realm of peace, but eternal judgment. They are called “the enemies of the LORD”, for that is what they are in their mind and attitude. What remains of them is smoke that vanishes. Just “like the glory of the pastures”, i.e. the flowers of the field. The wicked are compared to grass and the flowers of the field (Psalms 37:2; Isaiah 40:6). This speaks of perishability.

The fifth contrast is in Psalms 37:21-22. The wicked never have enough. They borrow and keep borrowing, without paying back a cent (Psalms 37:21). Very different is the case with the righteous. He gives, and not only that, he gives with his heart, for he gives out of compassion to those in need. Here it is not important whether he is materially rich or poor. He gives because he is a righteous person. He desires to give because he has God’s nature, and God is a Giver (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7; 15).

They can be generous because they have been “blessed by Him” and will “inherit the land” (Psalms 37:22). This verse means that God will ultimately fulfill His promise of the land in accordance with His covenant. What will we worry about accumulating a lot of property now and keeping it for ourselves when we know that we will soon receive an entire inheritance? The wicked live only for themselves and pretend to own the earth. They do not realize that they are “cursed by Him” and “will be cut off”. This too is in accordance with the covenant: that the curse comes upon those who break the covenant.

Psalms 71:23

The Wicked Opposite to the Righteous

So far everything is abstract, the contrast between the ungodly and the righteous is discussed in a doctrinal way. Psalms 37:12-26 are practical, the contrast is now made tangible in everyday life.

This section takes a closer look at the contrast described in Psalms 37:10-11. This deals with the actions of the wicked and God’s response to them. The first contrast is in Psalms 37:12-13. The wicked is continually devising vicious plans “against the righteous” (Psalms 37:12), which is the same as the humble one of Psa 37:11 and Psalms 37:14. As he plots to kill the righteous (Psalms 37:14), he gnashes with his teeth at him (cf. Psalms 35:16). This indicates that inwardly he is very angry with him, he is full of hatred toward him.

The Lord, Adonai, the sovereign Ruler, is totally unimpressed by what the wicked plots and does against the righteous one (Psalms 37:13). While the wicked gnashes with his teeth, He laughs at him, so ridiculous is what the wicked is doing (cf. Psalms 2:1-4). After all, it is supreme folly to turn against Him and utter shortsightedness because the day of judgment is coming on his foolish schemes. The Lord sees “his day”, his end (cf. Psalms 73:17b), which is the day when the wicked will be judged, ahead and the righteous must continue to see it.

The second contrast is in Psalms 37:14-15. The wicked begin the execution of their plans. They “have drawn the sword and bent their bow” (Psalms 37:14). This speaks of the power of the wicked: the sword to kill nearby and bow and arrow to kill at a distance. However, the power (arm) of the wicked will be broken (Psalms 37:15; 17).

Their intention is to “to cast down the afflicted and the needy” and “to slay those who are upright in conduct”. ‘Slay’ is a word often used for the slaughter of cattle. This is how the wicked see the righteous (cf. Psalms 44:22). But God ensures that “their sword will enter their own heart” and that “their bows will be broken” (Psalms 37:15). Their own hearts will be affected because that is where all their wickedness comes from.

The third contrast is in Psalms 37:16-17. In Psalms 37:16, “the little of the righteous” is compared to “the abundance of many wicked”. The outcome is also given directly: What the righteous has is “better” than what the wicked have. The reason is given in Psalms 37:17: “The arms of the wicked will be broken”, so that he has no power to use sword and bow against the righteous, nor to bring any more of his abundance with his hand to his mouth. In contrast, the righteous enjoys the support of God in the little that he has. He does not need to have a powerful arm, for his God helps him. Surely it cannot be a question of who is better off, can it?

The fourth contrast is in Psalms 37:18-20. “The LORD knows the days of the blameless” because they live with Him (Psalms 37:18). They are upright, they desire to do His will. God watches their lives day by day with His loving care. He is interested in everything that happens in their lives every day and helps them.

Their days have no end. The LORD sees the day (singular) of the wicked (Psalms 37:13), but of the righteous, the pious, the upright, He knows their days (plural). What they have been promised by the LORD in terms of inheritance “will be forever”. They will enjoy their inheritance fully and all days in the realm of peace.

This also means that “they will not be ashamed in the time of evil” (Psalms 37:19). After all, the LORD knows them. Also “in the days of famine they will have abundance”. This does not mean that they will always have enough bread, but that they will experience His fellowship in their need. They are not dependent on external circumstances; even disasters cannot prevent the LORD from continuing to provide for them (cf. Psalms 1:3). It is not primarily about material satisfaction, but spiritual satisfaction.

Completely different it will be with the wicked (Psalms 37:20). They will perish. For them there is no realm of peace, but eternal judgment. They are called “the enemies of the LORD”, for that is what they are in their mind and attitude. What remains of them is smoke that vanishes. Just “like the glory of the pastures”, i.e. the flowers of the field. The wicked are compared to grass and the flowers of the field (Psalms 37:2; Isaiah 40:6). This speaks of perishability.

The fifth contrast is in Psalms 37:21-22. The wicked never have enough. They borrow and keep borrowing, without paying back a cent (Psalms 37:21). Very different is the case with the righteous. He gives, and not only that, he gives with his heart, for he gives out of compassion to those in need. Here it is not important whether he is materially rich or poor. He gives because he is a righteous person. He desires to give because he has God’s nature, and God is a Giver (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7; 15).

They can be generous because they have been “blessed by Him” and will “inherit the land” (Psalms 37:22). This verse means that God will ultimately fulfill His promise of the land in accordance with His covenant. What will we worry about accumulating a lot of property now and keeping it for ourselves when we know that we will soon receive an entire inheritance? The wicked live only for themselves and pretend to own the earth. They do not realize that they are “cursed by Him” and “will be cut off”. This too is in accordance with the covenant: that the curse comes upon those who break the covenant.

Psalms 71:24

The Wicked Opposite to the Righteous

So far everything is abstract, the contrast between the ungodly and the righteous is discussed in a doctrinal way. Psalms 37:12-26 are practical, the contrast is now made tangible in everyday life.

This section takes a closer look at the contrast described in Psalms 37:10-11. This deals with the actions of the wicked and God’s response to them. The first contrast is in Psalms 37:12-13. The wicked is continually devising vicious plans “against the righteous” (Psalms 37:12), which is the same as the humble one of Psa 37:11 and Psalms 37:14. As he plots to kill the righteous (Psalms 37:14), he gnashes with his teeth at him (cf. Psalms 35:16). This indicates that inwardly he is very angry with him, he is full of hatred toward him.

The Lord, Adonai, the sovereign Ruler, is totally unimpressed by what the wicked plots and does against the righteous one (Psalms 37:13). While the wicked gnashes with his teeth, He laughs at him, so ridiculous is what the wicked is doing (cf. Psalms 2:1-4). After all, it is supreme folly to turn against Him and utter shortsightedness because the day of judgment is coming on his foolish schemes. The Lord sees “his day”, his end (cf. Psalms 73:17b), which is the day when the wicked will be judged, ahead and the righteous must continue to see it.

The second contrast is in Psalms 37:14-15. The wicked begin the execution of their plans. They “have drawn the sword and bent their bow” (Psalms 37:14). This speaks of the power of the wicked: the sword to kill nearby and bow and arrow to kill at a distance. However, the power (arm) of the wicked will be broken (Psalms 37:15; 17).

Their intention is to “to cast down the afflicted and the needy” and “to slay those who are upright in conduct”. ‘Slay’ is a word often used for the slaughter of cattle. This is how the wicked see the righteous (cf. Psalms 44:22). But God ensures that “their sword will enter their own heart” and that “their bows will be broken” (Psalms 37:15). Their own hearts will be affected because that is where all their wickedness comes from.

The third contrast is in Psalms 37:16-17. In Psalms 37:16, “the little of the righteous” is compared to “the abundance of many wicked”. The outcome is also given directly: What the righteous has is “better” than what the wicked have. The reason is given in Psalms 37:17: “The arms of the wicked will be broken”, so that he has no power to use sword and bow against the righteous, nor to bring any more of his abundance with his hand to his mouth. In contrast, the righteous enjoys the support of God in the little that he has. He does not need to have a powerful arm, for his God helps him. Surely it cannot be a question of who is better off, can it?

The fourth contrast is in Psalms 37:18-20. “The LORD knows the days of the blameless” because they live with Him (Psalms 37:18). They are upright, they desire to do His will. God watches their lives day by day with His loving care. He is interested in everything that happens in their lives every day and helps them.

Their days have no end. The LORD sees the day (singular) of the wicked (Psalms 37:13), but of the righteous, the pious, the upright, He knows their days (plural). What they have been promised by the LORD in terms of inheritance “will be forever”. They will enjoy their inheritance fully and all days in the realm of peace.

This also means that “they will not be ashamed in the time of evil” (Psalms 37:19). After all, the LORD knows them. Also “in the days of famine they will have abundance”. This does not mean that they will always have enough bread, but that they will experience His fellowship in their need. They are not dependent on external circumstances; even disasters cannot prevent the LORD from continuing to provide for them (cf. Psalms 1:3). It is not primarily about material satisfaction, but spiritual satisfaction.

Completely different it will be with the wicked (Psalms 37:20). They will perish. For them there is no realm of peace, but eternal judgment. They are called “the enemies of the LORD”, for that is what they are in their mind and attitude. What remains of them is smoke that vanishes. Just “like the glory of the pastures”, i.e. the flowers of the field. The wicked are compared to grass and the flowers of the field (Psalms 37:2; Isaiah 40:6). This speaks of perishability.

The fifth contrast is in Psalms 37:21-22. The wicked never have enough. They borrow and keep borrowing, without paying back a cent (Psalms 37:21). Very different is the case with the righteous. He gives, and not only that, he gives with his heart, for he gives out of compassion to those in need. Here it is not important whether he is materially rich or poor. He gives because he is a righteous person. He desires to give because he has God’s nature, and God is a Giver (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7; 15).

They can be generous because they have been “blessed by Him” and will “inherit the land” (Psalms 37:22). This verse means that God will ultimately fulfill His promise of the land in accordance with His covenant. What will we worry about accumulating a lot of property now and keeping it for ourselves when we know that we will soon receive an entire inheritance? The wicked live only for themselves and pretend to own the earth. They do not realize that they are “cursed by Him” and “will be cut off”. This too is in accordance with the covenant: that the curse comes upon those who break the covenant.