Psalms 72
KingCommentsPsalms 72:1
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 72:2
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 72:3
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 72:4
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 72:5
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 72:6
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 72:7
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 72:8
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 72:9
Not Forsaken
It is a great blessing to know that “the steps of a man”, that is of the righteous man, are “are established by the LORD” (Psalms 37:23). God sees to it that the righteous is led by Him in circumstances in which the way is no longer visible. In the way of that righteous, He finds His joy. God has found this joy perfectly in the way the Lord Jesus went on earth. He has let Himself be guided by His God in everything. Therefore we can be called upon to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
If we realize to some extent that the world is full of traps and pitfalls, the knowledge that God is establishing our steps will fill us with great thankfulness. We are then in His way. We go that way when we let ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Then, like Moses, we will ask God: “Let me know Your ways” (Exodus 33:13). Moses does not ask for a way, but Your ways, God’s ways.
Even though the righteous may fall (Psalms 37:24), he will not be hurled headlong, for the LORD is the One Who holds his hand (cf. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 24:16a; Deuteronomy 33:27). When a person goes God’s way, he may stumble in it, or commit a sin. But he will not remain laying down, for the LORD will restore him. He will not be cast away, for he may count on the support of God.
David is speaking from experience (Psalms 37:25). He is “old” now, but has not forgotten that he has also “been young”. Throughout his life, he has “not seen the righteous forsaken”. It does not mean that a believer has no problems. God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival. This is a great encouragement for a believer to persevere. All the while David is being pursued by Saul, God has always provided him and his men with what they need. The same is true for their children.
To experience God’s provision is to experience His mercies. Those who realize this will themselves begin to act that way toward others (Psalms 37:26). Whoever is blessed and gives God the credit for that, will distribute his blessing to others. He doesn’t do that now and then, but “all day long”. He “is gracious and lends” and continues to do so all the time. This will be continued by “his descendants”. The blessing that the righteous receives goes from generation to generation. His children have seen how he has lived in fellowship with God. They follow him in this and in turn are also “a blessing”. They are blessed and a blessing to others.
There is also another side to this: there must be a departing from evil (Psalms 37:27). Evil in this context consists of not keeping the covenant of God, thereby forfeiting the promised blessing. To depart from evil must be followed by doing “good”. This includes keeping God’s covenant with Abraham. Doing good means doing what God expects. For the faithful remnant, the consequence is that they will abide forever, which means they will inhabit the earth forever, which is the fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham. For us it means that we will receive the inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven.
Abiding forever is, as it were, a reward from the LORD. He gives it, because He “loves justice” (Psalms 37:28). By virtue of right He gives it to them. At the same time, He abides with His godly ones. This expression makes it clear that they are objects of His favor, of His grace. They receive the blessing, not because they are better than the wicked, but because He has spared them according to the election of His grace.
Again, we find the Hebrew chasidim, godly ones, namely those who are faithful to the covenant with the LORD. These are the ones who will receive the blessings of the LORD, from generation to generation. And since the LORD also is faithful to His covenant, He can never forsake His godly ones. In accordance with the same covenant, the wicked, those who violate the covenant, will be cut off.
Being a godly one of the LORD entails even more blessing: “They are preserved forever.” He also holds His protective hand over them and preserves them so that they will be able to enjoy what He has promised them. What happens to “the descendants of the wicked” is in sharp contrast to this: they “will be cut off”. Anyone who sees this contrast well will not envy or get excited about the temporary prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 72:10
Not Forsaken
It is a great blessing to know that “the steps of a man”, that is of the righteous man, are “are established by the LORD” (Psalms 37:23). God sees to it that the righteous is led by Him in circumstances in which the way is no longer visible. In the way of that righteous, He finds His joy. God has found this joy perfectly in the way the Lord Jesus went on earth. He has let Himself be guided by His God in everything. Therefore we can be called upon to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
If we realize to some extent that the world is full of traps and pitfalls, the knowledge that God is establishing our steps will fill us with great thankfulness. We are then in His way. We go that way when we let ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Then, like Moses, we will ask God: “Let me know Your ways” (Exodus 33:13). Moses does not ask for a way, but Your ways, God’s ways.
Even though the righteous may fall (Psalms 37:24), he will not be hurled headlong, for the LORD is the One Who holds his hand (cf. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 24:16a; Deuteronomy 33:27). When a person goes God’s way, he may stumble in it, or commit a sin. But he will not remain laying down, for the LORD will restore him. He will not be cast away, for he may count on the support of God.
David is speaking from experience (Psalms 37:25). He is “old” now, but has not forgotten that he has also “been young”. Throughout his life, he has “not seen the righteous forsaken”. It does not mean that a believer has no problems. God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival. This is a great encouragement for a believer to persevere. All the while David is being pursued by Saul, God has always provided him and his men with what they need. The same is true for their children.
To experience God’s provision is to experience His mercies. Those who realize this will themselves begin to act that way toward others (Psalms 37:26). Whoever is blessed and gives God the credit for that, will distribute his blessing to others. He doesn’t do that now and then, but “all day long”. He “is gracious and lends” and continues to do so all the time. This will be continued by “his descendants”. The blessing that the righteous receives goes from generation to generation. His children have seen how he has lived in fellowship with God. They follow him in this and in turn are also “a blessing”. They are blessed and a blessing to others.
There is also another side to this: there must be a departing from evil (Psalms 37:27). Evil in this context consists of not keeping the covenant of God, thereby forfeiting the promised blessing. To depart from evil must be followed by doing “good”. This includes keeping God’s covenant with Abraham. Doing good means doing what God expects. For the faithful remnant, the consequence is that they will abide forever, which means they will inhabit the earth forever, which is the fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham. For us it means that we will receive the inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven.
Abiding forever is, as it were, a reward from the LORD. He gives it, because He “loves justice” (Psalms 37:28). By virtue of right He gives it to them. At the same time, He abides with His godly ones. This expression makes it clear that they are objects of His favor, of His grace. They receive the blessing, not because they are better than the wicked, but because He has spared them according to the election of His grace.
Again, we find the Hebrew chasidim, godly ones, namely those who are faithful to the covenant with the LORD. These are the ones who will receive the blessings of the LORD, from generation to generation. And since the LORD also is faithful to His covenant, He can never forsake His godly ones. In accordance with the same covenant, the wicked, those who violate the covenant, will be cut off.
Being a godly one of the LORD entails even more blessing: “They are preserved forever.” He also holds His protective hand over them and preserves them so that they will be able to enjoy what He has promised them. What happens to “the descendants of the wicked” is in sharp contrast to this: they “will be cut off”. Anyone who sees this contrast well will not envy or get excited about the temporary prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 72:11
Not Forsaken
It is a great blessing to know that “the steps of a man”, that is of the righteous man, are “are established by the LORD” (Psalms 37:23). God sees to it that the righteous is led by Him in circumstances in which the way is no longer visible. In the way of that righteous, He finds His joy. God has found this joy perfectly in the way the Lord Jesus went on earth. He has let Himself be guided by His God in everything. Therefore we can be called upon to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
If we realize to some extent that the world is full of traps and pitfalls, the knowledge that God is establishing our steps will fill us with great thankfulness. We are then in His way. We go that way when we let ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Then, like Moses, we will ask God: “Let me know Your ways” (Exodus 33:13). Moses does not ask for a way, but Your ways, God’s ways.
Even though the righteous may fall (Psalms 37:24), he will not be hurled headlong, for the LORD is the One Who holds his hand (cf. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 24:16a; Deuteronomy 33:27). When a person goes God’s way, he may stumble in it, or commit a sin. But he will not remain laying down, for the LORD will restore him. He will not be cast away, for he may count on the support of God.
David is speaking from experience (Psalms 37:25). He is “old” now, but has not forgotten that he has also “been young”. Throughout his life, he has “not seen the righteous forsaken”. It does not mean that a believer has no problems. God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival. This is a great encouragement for a believer to persevere. All the while David is being pursued by Saul, God has always provided him and his men with what they need. The same is true for their children.
To experience God’s provision is to experience His mercies. Those who realize this will themselves begin to act that way toward others (Psalms 37:26). Whoever is blessed and gives God the credit for that, will distribute his blessing to others. He doesn’t do that now and then, but “all day long”. He “is gracious and lends” and continues to do so all the time. This will be continued by “his descendants”. The blessing that the righteous receives goes from generation to generation. His children have seen how he has lived in fellowship with God. They follow him in this and in turn are also “a blessing”. They are blessed and a blessing to others.
There is also another side to this: there must be a departing from evil (Psalms 37:27). Evil in this context consists of not keeping the covenant of God, thereby forfeiting the promised blessing. To depart from evil must be followed by doing “good”. This includes keeping God’s covenant with Abraham. Doing good means doing what God expects. For the faithful remnant, the consequence is that they will abide forever, which means they will inhabit the earth forever, which is the fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham. For us it means that we will receive the inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven.
Abiding forever is, as it were, a reward from the LORD. He gives it, because He “loves justice” (Psalms 37:28). By virtue of right He gives it to them. At the same time, He abides with His godly ones. This expression makes it clear that they are objects of His favor, of His grace. They receive the blessing, not because they are better than the wicked, but because He has spared them according to the election of His grace.
Again, we find the Hebrew chasidim, godly ones, namely those who are faithful to the covenant with the LORD. These are the ones who will receive the blessings of the LORD, from generation to generation. And since the LORD also is faithful to His covenant, He can never forsake His godly ones. In accordance with the same covenant, the wicked, those who violate the covenant, will be cut off.
Being a godly one of the LORD entails even more blessing: “They are preserved forever.” He also holds His protective hand over them and preserves them so that they will be able to enjoy what He has promised them. What happens to “the descendants of the wicked” is in sharp contrast to this: they “will be cut off”. Anyone who sees this contrast well will not envy or get excited about the temporary prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 72:12
Not Forsaken
It is a great blessing to know that “the steps of a man”, that is of the righteous man, are “are established by the LORD” (Psalms 37:23). God sees to it that the righteous is led by Him in circumstances in which the way is no longer visible. In the way of that righteous, He finds His joy. God has found this joy perfectly in the way the Lord Jesus went on earth. He has let Himself be guided by His God in everything. Therefore we can be called upon to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
If we realize to some extent that the world is full of traps and pitfalls, the knowledge that God is establishing our steps will fill us with great thankfulness. We are then in His way. We go that way when we let ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Then, like Moses, we will ask God: “Let me know Your ways” (Exodus 33:13). Moses does not ask for a way, but Your ways, God’s ways.
Even though the righteous may fall (Psalms 37:24), he will not be hurled headlong, for the LORD is the One Who holds his hand (cf. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 24:16a; Deuteronomy 33:27). When a person goes God’s way, he may stumble in it, or commit a sin. But he will not remain laying down, for the LORD will restore him. He will not be cast away, for he may count on the support of God.
David is speaking from experience (Psalms 37:25). He is “old” now, but has not forgotten that he has also “been young”. Throughout his life, he has “not seen the righteous forsaken”. It does not mean that a believer has no problems. God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival. This is a great encouragement for a believer to persevere. All the while David is being pursued by Saul, God has always provided him and his men with what they need. The same is true for their children.
To experience God’s provision is to experience His mercies. Those who realize this will themselves begin to act that way toward others (Psalms 37:26). Whoever is blessed and gives God the credit for that, will distribute his blessing to others. He doesn’t do that now and then, but “all day long”. He “is gracious and lends” and continues to do so all the time. This will be continued by “his descendants”. The blessing that the righteous receives goes from generation to generation. His children have seen how he has lived in fellowship with God. They follow him in this and in turn are also “a blessing”. They are blessed and a blessing to others.
There is also another side to this: there must be a departing from evil (Psalms 37:27). Evil in this context consists of not keeping the covenant of God, thereby forfeiting the promised blessing. To depart from evil must be followed by doing “good”. This includes keeping God’s covenant with Abraham. Doing good means doing what God expects. For the faithful remnant, the consequence is that they will abide forever, which means they will inhabit the earth forever, which is the fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham. For us it means that we will receive the inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven.
Abiding forever is, as it were, a reward from the LORD. He gives it, because He “loves justice” (Psalms 37:28). By virtue of right He gives it to them. At the same time, He abides with His godly ones. This expression makes it clear that they are objects of His favor, of His grace. They receive the blessing, not because they are better than the wicked, but because He has spared them according to the election of His grace.
Again, we find the Hebrew chasidim, godly ones, namely those who are faithful to the covenant with the LORD. These are the ones who will receive the blessings of the LORD, from generation to generation. And since the LORD also is faithful to His covenant, He can never forsake His godly ones. In accordance with the same covenant, the wicked, those who violate the covenant, will be cut off.
Being a godly one of the LORD entails even more blessing: “They are preserved forever.” He also holds His protective hand over them and preserves them so that they will be able to enjoy what He has promised them. What happens to “the descendants of the wicked” is in sharp contrast to this: they “will be cut off”. Anyone who sees this contrast well will not envy or get excited about the temporary prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 72:13
Not Forsaken
It is a great blessing to know that “the steps of a man”, that is of the righteous man, are “are established by the LORD” (Psalms 37:23). God sees to it that the righteous is led by Him in circumstances in which the way is no longer visible. In the way of that righteous, He finds His joy. God has found this joy perfectly in the way the Lord Jesus went on earth. He has let Himself be guided by His God in everything. Therefore we can be called upon to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
If we realize to some extent that the world is full of traps and pitfalls, the knowledge that God is establishing our steps will fill us with great thankfulness. We are then in His way. We go that way when we let ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Then, like Moses, we will ask God: “Let me know Your ways” (Exodus 33:13). Moses does not ask for a way, but Your ways, God’s ways.
Even though the righteous may fall (Psalms 37:24), he will not be hurled headlong, for the LORD is the One Who holds his hand (cf. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 24:16a; Deuteronomy 33:27). When a person goes God’s way, he may stumble in it, or commit a sin. But he will not remain laying down, for the LORD will restore him. He will not be cast away, for he may count on the support of God.
David is speaking from experience (Psalms 37:25). He is “old” now, but has not forgotten that he has also “been young”. Throughout his life, he has “not seen the righteous forsaken”. It does not mean that a believer has no problems. God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival. This is a great encouragement for a believer to persevere. All the while David is being pursued by Saul, God has always provided him and his men with what they need. The same is true for their children.
To experience God’s provision is to experience His mercies. Those who realize this will themselves begin to act that way toward others (Psalms 37:26). Whoever is blessed and gives God the credit for that, will distribute his blessing to others. He doesn’t do that now and then, but “all day long”. He “is gracious and lends” and continues to do so all the time. This will be continued by “his descendants”. The blessing that the righteous receives goes from generation to generation. His children have seen how he has lived in fellowship with God. They follow him in this and in turn are also “a blessing”. They are blessed and a blessing to others.
There is also another side to this: there must be a departing from evil (Psalms 37:27). Evil in this context consists of not keeping the covenant of God, thereby forfeiting the promised blessing. To depart from evil must be followed by doing “good”. This includes keeping God’s covenant with Abraham. Doing good means doing what God expects. For the faithful remnant, the consequence is that they will abide forever, which means they will inhabit the earth forever, which is the fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham. For us it means that we will receive the inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven.
Abiding forever is, as it were, a reward from the LORD. He gives it, because He “loves justice” (Psalms 37:28). By virtue of right He gives it to them. At the same time, He abides with His godly ones. This expression makes it clear that they are objects of His favor, of His grace. They receive the blessing, not because they are better than the wicked, but because He has spared them according to the election of His grace.
Again, we find the Hebrew chasidim, godly ones, namely those who are faithful to the covenant with the LORD. These are the ones who will receive the blessings of the LORD, from generation to generation. And since the LORD also is faithful to His covenant, He can never forsake His godly ones. In accordance with the same covenant, the wicked, those who violate the covenant, will be cut off.
Being a godly one of the LORD entails even more blessing: “They are preserved forever.” He also holds His protective hand over them and preserves them so that they will be able to enjoy what He has promised them. What happens to “the descendants of the wicked” is in sharp contrast to this: they “will be cut off”. Anyone who sees this contrast well will not envy or get excited about the temporary prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 72:14
Not Forsaken
It is a great blessing to know that “the steps of a man”, that is of the righteous man, are “are established by the LORD” (Psalms 37:23). God sees to it that the righteous is led by Him in circumstances in which the way is no longer visible. In the way of that righteous, He finds His joy. God has found this joy perfectly in the way the Lord Jesus went on earth. He has let Himself be guided by His God in everything. Therefore we can be called upon to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
If we realize to some extent that the world is full of traps and pitfalls, the knowledge that God is establishing our steps will fill us with great thankfulness. We are then in His way. We go that way when we let ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Then, like Moses, we will ask God: “Let me know Your ways” (Exodus 33:13). Moses does not ask for a way, but Your ways, God’s ways.
Even though the righteous may fall (Psalms 37:24), he will not be hurled headlong, for the LORD is the One Who holds his hand (cf. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 24:16a; Deuteronomy 33:27). When a person goes God’s way, he may stumble in it, or commit a sin. But he will not remain laying down, for the LORD will restore him. He will not be cast away, for he may count on the support of God.
David is speaking from experience (Psalms 37:25). He is “old” now, but has not forgotten that he has also “been young”. Throughout his life, he has “not seen the righteous forsaken”. It does not mean that a believer has no problems. God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival. This is a great encouragement for a believer to persevere. All the while David is being pursued by Saul, God has always provided him and his men with what they need. The same is true for their children.
To experience God’s provision is to experience His mercies. Those who realize this will themselves begin to act that way toward others (Psalms 37:26). Whoever is blessed and gives God the credit for that, will distribute his blessing to others. He doesn’t do that now and then, but “all day long”. He “is gracious and lends” and continues to do so all the time. This will be continued by “his descendants”. The blessing that the righteous receives goes from generation to generation. His children have seen how he has lived in fellowship with God. They follow him in this and in turn are also “a blessing”. They are blessed and a blessing to others.
There is also another side to this: there must be a departing from evil (Psalms 37:27). Evil in this context consists of not keeping the covenant of God, thereby forfeiting the promised blessing. To depart from evil must be followed by doing “good”. This includes keeping God’s covenant with Abraham. Doing good means doing what God expects. For the faithful remnant, the consequence is that they will abide forever, which means they will inhabit the earth forever, which is the fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham. For us it means that we will receive the inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven.
Abiding forever is, as it were, a reward from the LORD. He gives it, because He “loves justice” (Psalms 37:28). By virtue of right He gives it to them. At the same time, He abides with His godly ones. This expression makes it clear that they are objects of His favor, of His grace. They receive the blessing, not because they are better than the wicked, but because He has spared them according to the election of His grace.
Again, we find the Hebrew chasidim, godly ones, namely those who are faithful to the covenant with the LORD. These are the ones who will receive the blessings of the LORD, from generation to generation. And since the LORD also is faithful to His covenant, He can never forsake His godly ones. In accordance with the same covenant, the wicked, those who violate the covenant, will be cut off.
Being a godly one of the LORD entails even more blessing: “They are preserved forever.” He also holds His protective hand over them and preserves them so that they will be able to enjoy what He has promised them. What happens to “the descendants of the wicked” is in sharp contrast to this: they “will be cut off”. Anyone who sees this contrast well will not envy or get excited about the temporary prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 72:15
Features of the Righteous
David – in fact the Holy Spirit – shows the righteous in detail what their real blessings and features are. Once again he points out to the righteous that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (Psalms 37:29). As so often, this is about the fulfillment of the promise of the land as promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The fulfillment takes place when the Messiah has come and reigns. All the enemy powers have been judged. There is no longer any threat that they will be chased out of their land again. There is no threat around them or in them, for in their heart is the law of God, as Psalms 37:31 says.
That perspective will guide the righteous in his life now, while he is still living in the midst of evil. His “mouth … utters wisdom” (Psalms 37:30). The wisdom of the righteous is that he looks to the end of the wicked (Psalms 73:17b). Therefore, he does not become envious of his short-lived prosperity. This is expressed in the following verses. The wise man knows what to say. It is worthwhile to listen carefully to what he says, because it helps to choose the right path. In what he says, nothing is twisted or crooked, for “his tongue speaks justice”. He tells what is just to God and to men.
The righteous speaks this way because “the law of his God is in his heart” (Psalms 37:31). Only when the heart is full of the law – the Word of God – can a person open his mouth and utter wisdom and justice (Psalms 37:30). The heart is the center of existence, from which everything he does flows (Proverbs 4:23). God’s law governs him in all his thinking and deliberations and in all his speaking and acting.
Here we think immediately of the Lord Jesus, Who says: “Your law is within My heart” (Psalms 40:8). He is the Righteous par excellence. We see here that this is true of every righteous person. To us, New Testament believers, it is said: “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16).
The “steps” of him in whom the law i.e. the Word of Christ or of God is in the heart, “do not slip”. He who is guided by God’s Word, walks with steady step the way God says he should go. He may still experience so many difficulties and hostility, but he will not be shaken, because he is held up by God’s Word that is in his heart.
The wicked are guided by very different principles (Psalms 37:32). He is, under the inspiration of the devil, who is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), out to kill the righteous. To that end, he lurks on him and brings a lawsuit against him. We see this in Judas, who is out to deliver up the Lord Jesus, and the false religious court that makes use of Judas. Thus, many have been inspired by the devil to kill believers through false charges (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-16). This is still happening today and will certainly also happen in all its intensity during the time of the great tribulation.
Then David says: “The LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged” (Psalms 37:33). We need to see this from God’s perspective. He will never hand over a righteous person into the hand of wicked people who will do anything with him that they want. The fact that it may look like this has to do with the fact that the world is now satan’s sphere of power. He controls his subjects and sets them up against the righteous. This is not done without the permission of God, but not with His consent. He allows it because it is in accordance with His plan. To see that plan we must look at the end of the righteous.
What man does and thereby fulfills God’s plan is a problem for our thinking, but not for God. We find this problem summed up in one sentence in Peter’s speech in Jerusalem when the church was formed. In it he says the following about what happened to the Lord Jesus: “This [Man], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death “ (Acts 2:23).
This cannot be explained by us. It is understandable by us only if we let these two truths stand side by side and consider each one separately. We must realize that our knowing is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9) or ‘piecewise’. It is not possible for us to see the whole truth of God at once. It is only possible for us to get to know God’s Word by examining one piece of the truth at a time.
We then begin to see more and more connections, but there are also things that remain hidden from us. One of those things is that the counsel of God is partly fulfilled by man’s sin. It is nonsense to say that God did not foresee the Fall. It is just as nonsensical to say that He wanted the Fall. We must let God be Who He is: God. If we do that, we will realize that we are puny little creatures who cannot judge God, but must bow to Him and His counsel. That will be our wisdom and it will also lead us to worship (Romans 11:33-36).
Psalms 72:16
Features of the Righteous
David – in fact the Holy Spirit – shows the righteous in detail what their real blessings and features are. Once again he points out to the righteous that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (Psalms 37:29). As so often, this is about the fulfillment of the promise of the land as promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The fulfillment takes place when the Messiah has come and reigns. All the enemy powers have been judged. There is no longer any threat that they will be chased out of their land again. There is no threat around them or in them, for in their heart is the law of God, as Psalms 37:31 says.
That perspective will guide the righteous in his life now, while he is still living in the midst of evil. His “mouth … utters wisdom” (Psalms 37:30). The wisdom of the righteous is that he looks to the end of the wicked (Psalms 73:17b). Therefore, he does not become envious of his short-lived prosperity. This is expressed in the following verses. The wise man knows what to say. It is worthwhile to listen carefully to what he says, because it helps to choose the right path. In what he says, nothing is twisted or crooked, for “his tongue speaks justice”. He tells what is just to God and to men.
The righteous speaks this way because “the law of his God is in his heart” (Psalms 37:31). Only when the heart is full of the law – the Word of God – can a person open his mouth and utter wisdom and justice (Psalms 37:30). The heart is the center of existence, from which everything he does flows (Proverbs 4:23). God’s law governs him in all his thinking and deliberations and in all his speaking and acting.
Here we think immediately of the Lord Jesus, Who says: “Your law is within My heart” (Psalms 40:8). He is the Righteous par excellence. We see here that this is true of every righteous person. To us, New Testament believers, it is said: “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16).
The “steps” of him in whom the law i.e. the Word of Christ or of God is in the heart, “do not slip”. He who is guided by God’s Word, walks with steady step the way God says he should go. He may still experience so many difficulties and hostility, but he will not be shaken, because he is held up by God’s Word that is in his heart.
The wicked are guided by very different principles (Psalms 37:32). He is, under the inspiration of the devil, who is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), out to kill the righteous. To that end, he lurks on him and brings a lawsuit against him. We see this in Judas, who is out to deliver up the Lord Jesus, and the false religious court that makes use of Judas. Thus, many have been inspired by the devil to kill believers through false charges (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-16). This is still happening today and will certainly also happen in all its intensity during the time of the great tribulation.
Then David says: “The LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged” (Psalms 37:33). We need to see this from God’s perspective. He will never hand over a righteous person into the hand of wicked people who will do anything with him that they want. The fact that it may look like this has to do with the fact that the world is now satan’s sphere of power. He controls his subjects and sets them up against the righteous. This is not done without the permission of God, but not with His consent. He allows it because it is in accordance with His plan. To see that plan we must look at the end of the righteous.
What man does and thereby fulfills God’s plan is a problem for our thinking, but not for God. We find this problem summed up in one sentence in Peter’s speech in Jerusalem when the church was formed. In it he says the following about what happened to the Lord Jesus: “This [Man], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death “ (Acts 2:23).
This cannot be explained by us. It is understandable by us only if we let these two truths stand side by side and consider each one separately. We must realize that our knowing is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9) or ‘piecewise’. It is not possible for us to see the whole truth of God at once. It is only possible for us to get to know God’s Word by examining one piece of the truth at a time.
We then begin to see more and more connections, but there are also things that remain hidden from us. One of those things is that the counsel of God is partly fulfilled by man’s sin. It is nonsense to say that God did not foresee the Fall. It is just as nonsensical to say that He wanted the Fall. We must let God be Who He is: God. If we do that, we will realize that we are puny little creatures who cannot judge God, but must bow to Him and His counsel. That will be our wisdom and it will also lead us to worship (Romans 11:33-36).
Psalms 72:17
Features of the Righteous
David – in fact the Holy Spirit – shows the righteous in detail what their real blessings and features are. Once again he points out to the righteous that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (Psalms 37:29). As so often, this is about the fulfillment of the promise of the land as promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The fulfillment takes place when the Messiah has come and reigns. All the enemy powers have been judged. There is no longer any threat that they will be chased out of their land again. There is no threat around them or in them, for in their heart is the law of God, as Psalms 37:31 says.
That perspective will guide the righteous in his life now, while he is still living in the midst of evil. His “mouth … utters wisdom” (Psalms 37:30). The wisdom of the righteous is that he looks to the end of the wicked (Psalms 73:17b). Therefore, he does not become envious of his short-lived prosperity. This is expressed in the following verses. The wise man knows what to say. It is worthwhile to listen carefully to what he says, because it helps to choose the right path. In what he says, nothing is twisted or crooked, for “his tongue speaks justice”. He tells what is just to God and to men.
The righteous speaks this way because “the law of his God is in his heart” (Psalms 37:31). Only when the heart is full of the law – the Word of God – can a person open his mouth and utter wisdom and justice (Psalms 37:30). The heart is the center of existence, from which everything he does flows (Proverbs 4:23). God’s law governs him in all his thinking and deliberations and in all his speaking and acting.
Here we think immediately of the Lord Jesus, Who says: “Your law is within My heart” (Psalms 40:8). He is the Righteous par excellence. We see here that this is true of every righteous person. To us, New Testament believers, it is said: “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16).
The “steps” of him in whom the law i.e. the Word of Christ or of God is in the heart, “do not slip”. He who is guided by God’s Word, walks with steady step the way God says he should go. He may still experience so many difficulties and hostility, but he will not be shaken, because he is held up by God’s Word that is in his heart.
The wicked are guided by very different principles (Psalms 37:32). He is, under the inspiration of the devil, who is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), out to kill the righteous. To that end, he lurks on him and brings a lawsuit against him. We see this in Judas, who is out to deliver up the Lord Jesus, and the false religious court that makes use of Judas. Thus, many have been inspired by the devil to kill believers through false charges (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-16). This is still happening today and will certainly also happen in all its intensity during the time of the great tribulation.
Then David says: “The LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged” (Psalms 37:33). We need to see this from God’s perspective. He will never hand over a righteous person into the hand of wicked people who will do anything with him that they want. The fact that it may look like this has to do with the fact that the world is now satan’s sphere of power. He controls his subjects and sets them up against the righteous. This is not done without the permission of God, but not with His consent. He allows it because it is in accordance with His plan. To see that plan we must look at the end of the righteous.
What man does and thereby fulfills God’s plan is a problem for our thinking, but not for God. We find this problem summed up in one sentence in Peter’s speech in Jerusalem when the church was formed. In it he says the following about what happened to the Lord Jesus: “This [Man], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death “ (Acts 2:23).
This cannot be explained by us. It is understandable by us only if we let these two truths stand side by side and consider each one separately. We must realize that our knowing is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9) or ‘piecewise’. It is not possible for us to see the whole truth of God at once. It is only possible for us to get to know God’s Word by examining one piece of the truth at a time.
We then begin to see more and more connections, but there are also things that remain hidden from us. One of those things is that the counsel of God is partly fulfilled by man’s sin. It is nonsense to say that God did not foresee the Fall. It is just as nonsensical to say that He wanted the Fall. We must let God be Who He is: God. If we do that, we will realize that we are puny little creatures who cannot judge God, but must bow to Him and His counsel. That will be our wisdom and it will also lead us to worship (Romans 11:33-36).
Psalms 72:18
Features of the Righteous
David – in fact the Holy Spirit – shows the righteous in detail what their real blessings and features are. Once again he points out to the righteous that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (Psalms 37:29). As so often, this is about the fulfillment of the promise of the land as promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The fulfillment takes place when the Messiah has come and reigns. All the enemy powers have been judged. There is no longer any threat that they will be chased out of their land again. There is no threat around them or in them, for in their heart is the law of God, as Psalms 37:31 says.
That perspective will guide the righteous in his life now, while he is still living in the midst of evil. His “mouth … utters wisdom” (Psalms 37:30). The wisdom of the righteous is that he looks to the end of the wicked (Psalms 73:17b). Therefore, he does not become envious of his short-lived prosperity. This is expressed in the following verses. The wise man knows what to say. It is worthwhile to listen carefully to what he says, because it helps to choose the right path. In what he says, nothing is twisted or crooked, for “his tongue speaks justice”. He tells what is just to God and to men.
The righteous speaks this way because “the law of his God is in his heart” (Psalms 37:31). Only when the heart is full of the law – the Word of God – can a person open his mouth and utter wisdom and justice (Psalms 37:30). The heart is the center of existence, from which everything he does flows (Proverbs 4:23). God’s law governs him in all his thinking and deliberations and in all his speaking and acting.
Here we think immediately of the Lord Jesus, Who says: “Your law is within My heart” (Psalms 40:8). He is the Righteous par excellence. We see here that this is true of every righteous person. To us, New Testament believers, it is said: “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16).
The “steps” of him in whom the law i.e. the Word of Christ or of God is in the heart, “do not slip”. He who is guided by God’s Word, walks with steady step the way God says he should go. He may still experience so many difficulties and hostility, but he will not be shaken, because he is held up by God’s Word that is in his heart.
The wicked are guided by very different principles (Psalms 37:32). He is, under the inspiration of the devil, who is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), out to kill the righteous. To that end, he lurks on him and brings a lawsuit against him. We see this in Judas, who is out to deliver up the Lord Jesus, and the false religious court that makes use of Judas. Thus, many have been inspired by the devil to kill believers through false charges (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-16). This is still happening today and will certainly also happen in all its intensity during the time of the great tribulation.
Then David says: “The LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged” (Psalms 37:33). We need to see this from God’s perspective. He will never hand over a righteous person into the hand of wicked people who will do anything with him that they want. The fact that it may look like this has to do with the fact that the world is now satan’s sphere of power. He controls his subjects and sets them up against the righteous. This is not done without the permission of God, but not with His consent. He allows it because it is in accordance with His plan. To see that plan we must look at the end of the righteous.
What man does and thereby fulfills God’s plan is a problem for our thinking, but not for God. We find this problem summed up in one sentence in Peter’s speech in Jerusalem when the church was formed. In it he says the following about what happened to the Lord Jesus: “This [Man], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death “ (Acts 2:23).
This cannot be explained by us. It is understandable by us only if we let these two truths stand side by side and consider each one separately. We must realize that our knowing is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9) or ‘piecewise’. It is not possible for us to see the whole truth of God at once. It is only possible for us to get to know God’s Word by examining one piece of the truth at a time.
We then begin to see more and more connections, but there are also things that remain hidden from us. One of those things is that the counsel of God is partly fulfilled by man’s sin. It is nonsense to say that God did not foresee the Fall. It is just as nonsensical to say that He wanted the Fall. We must let God be Who He is: God. If we do that, we will realize that we are puny little creatures who cannot judge God, but must bow to Him and His counsel. That will be our wisdom and it will also lead us to worship (Romans 11:33-36).
Psalms 72:19
Features of the Righteous
David – in fact the Holy Spirit – shows the righteous in detail what their real blessings and features are. Once again he points out to the righteous that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (Psalms 37:29). As so often, this is about the fulfillment of the promise of the land as promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The fulfillment takes place when the Messiah has come and reigns. All the enemy powers have been judged. There is no longer any threat that they will be chased out of their land again. There is no threat around them or in them, for in their heart is the law of God, as Psalms 37:31 says.
That perspective will guide the righteous in his life now, while he is still living in the midst of evil. His “mouth … utters wisdom” (Psalms 37:30). The wisdom of the righteous is that he looks to the end of the wicked (Psalms 73:17b). Therefore, he does not become envious of his short-lived prosperity. This is expressed in the following verses. The wise man knows what to say. It is worthwhile to listen carefully to what he says, because it helps to choose the right path. In what he says, nothing is twisted or crooked, for “his tongue speaks justice”. He tells what is just to God and to men.
The righteous speaks this way because “the law of his God is in his heart” (Psalms 37:31). Only when the heart is full of the law – the Word of God – can a person open his mouth and utter wisdom and justice (Psalms 37:30). The heart is the center of existence, from which everything he does flows (Proverbs 4:23). God’s law governs him in all his thinking and deliberations and in all his speaking and acting.
Here we think immediately of the Lord Jesus, Who says: “Your law is within My heart” (Psalms 40:8). He is the Righteous par excellence. We see here that this is true of every righteous person. To us, New Testament believers, it is said: “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16).
The “steps” of him in whom the law i.e. the Word of Christ or of God is in the heart, “do not slip”. He who is guided by God’s Word, walks with steady step the way God says he should go. He may still experience so many difficulties and hostility, but he will not be shaken, because he is held up by God’s Word that is in his heart.
The wicked are guided by very different principles (Psalms 37:32). He is, under the inspiration of the devil, who is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), out to kill the righteous. To that end, he lurks on him and brings a lawsuit against him. We see this in Judas, who is out to deliver up the Lord Jesus, and the false religious court that makes use of Judas. Thus, many have been inspired by the devil to kill believers through false charges (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-16). This is still happening today and will certainly also happen in all its intensity during the time of the great tribulation.
Then David says: “The LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged” (Psalms 37:33). We need to see this from God’s perspective. He will never hand over a righteous person into the hand of wicked people who will do anything with him that they want. The fact that it may look like this has to do with the fact that the world is now satan’s sphere of power. He controls his subjects and sets them up against the righteous. This is not done without the permission of God, but not with His consent. He allows it because it is in accordance with His plan. To see that plan we must look at the end of the righteous.
What man does and thereby fulfills God’s plan is a problem for our thinking, but not for God. We find this problem summed up in one sentence in Peter’s speech in Jerusalem when the church was formed. In it he says the following about what happened to the Lord Jesus: “This [Man], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death “ (Acts 2:23).
This cannot be explained by us. It is understandable by us only if we let these two truths stand side by side and consider each one separately. We must realize that our knowing is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9) or ‘piecewise’. It is not possible for us to see the whole truth of God at once. It is only possible for us to get to know God’s Word by examining one piece of the truth at a time.
We then begin to see more and more connections, but there are also things that remain hidden from us. One of those things is that the counsel of God is partly fulfilled by man’s sin. It is nonsense to say that God did not foresee the Fall. It is just as nonsensical to say that He wanted the Fall. We must let God be Who He is: God. If we do that, we will realize that we are puny little creatures who cannot judge God, but must bow to Him and His counsel. That will be our wisdom and it will also lead us to worship (Romans 11:33-36).
Psalms 72:20
The End of the Righteous
The righteous will possess the land as inheritance (Psalms 37:9; 11), but that time is not yet. Therefore, they are called to wait for God (cf. Psalms 37:7; 9) and keep His way (Psalms 37:34). They need patience. They are waiting for Someone for Whom time and haste play no role. He knows the right time to act and will do so at that time. The earth is His (Psalms 24:1) and He is therefore the One Who can give the inheritance. He will then “exalt” the righteous “to inherit the land”. At that time, the righteous will also be eyewitnesses to the fact that “the wicked are cut off”.
In Psalms 37:35-36, David relates another experience he has had in his life concerning “a wicked, violent man” (Psalms 37:35). He has seen how this wicked has prospered. In poetic language, he describes this man’s prosperity, comparing him to “a luxuriant tree”, spreading himself “in its native soil”. It all seems great and impressive.
But the life of that man “passed away, and lo, he was no more” (Psalms 37:36). It ended abruptly and radically with him. David still sought for him, “but he could not be found”. This is how it goes with the wicked. They have prosperity, but they will soon disappear untraceable. They do not endure in the judgment (Psalms 1:5).
This is a great contrast to “the blameless man” and “the upright” (Psalms 37:37). David advises the listeners to pay attention to that blameless man. They can learn from his example, take courage from it. They should also behold “the upright”. How different is the end of that man. As with the wicked (Psalms 73:17), we must also watch the end of the righteous. His end “will have prosperity”. He will die in peace, enter the realm of peace in peace in the resurrection, and live a thousand years in peace. Thus we can look at who lead the believers, consider the result of their conduct, and imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).
In contrast to this, once again he points to the end of the transgressors and the wicked (Psalms 37:38). “The transgressors will be altogether destroyed”, nothing remains of them. As for the wicked, their “posterity … will be cut off”. Cutting off is done by a knife, the knife of judgment. “Posterity” is literally “end”. That means here that the descendants of the wicked are also cut off.
As a final conclusion, David says what the portion of the righteous will be (Psalms 37:39-40). Their “salvation … is from the LORD” (Psalms 37:39). Since salvation is from the LORD, there can be no doubt that it is sure and certain to come. And when the righteous, while waiting for salvation, are in time of trouble, He is “their strength” during that time. This refers to the believing remnant in the time of the great tribulation, which is called “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7). He will assist them in that distress with His strength.
The LORD will “help” them in that time of trouble and eventually “deliver” them from it (Psalms 37:40). One more time David says that the LORD will “deliver them from the wicked and save them”. They can surely count on that “because they take refuge in Him”. This means that they trust in Him, which removes all despair and doubt.
Thus, this psalm makes clear how the LORD will purify the people during the great tribulation (Malachi 3:2-3). Can there be an even more powerful guarantee of the ultimate blessing of the righteous? Has not all fret and envy of the prosperity of the ungodly now disappeared? Who wants to change places with the wicked when he considers all of this?