What I Noticed Today (Psalms 36-39)
Psalm 36
Psalm 36 records an oracle reported by David concerning the philosophy and lifestyle of wicked unbelievers. This stands in contrast to David’s personal knowledge of the nature of God.
Verses 1-4 explain that the wicked have no fear of the Lord, so they commit evil acts with impunity. Not only do they not think about rejecting evil; they plot evil.
In contrast, verses 5-9 describe the love, faithfulness, and justice of God to David and the obedient believers.
In verses 10-12, David prayed that the Lord would continue to love and protect those who fear God from the arrogant and wicked.
Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is a build on Psalm 36.
In verses 1-8, David tells believers to continue to trust in the Lord despite the presence of evil, sinful people. The righteous should not envy the wicked who succeed, nor should they concern themselves with their success because that leads only to anger and evil.
In verses 9-11, David describes how the wicked will soon be cut off, and that the meek will inherit the earth.
Verses 12-22 build on verses 9-11 with five contrasting examples:
1) wicked devise evil, but the Lord laughs at them,
2) the wicked attack the meek but their own violence will destroy them,
3) it is better to be poor than to be wicked and have wealth,
4) the Lord protects the righteous, but the wicked will perish, and
5) the wicked are selfish, but the poor are generous.
In verses 23-31, David describes the blessings of the Lord upon the righteous. He provides food for them, and loves and protects them. The righteous are just and wise because the law of God is in their hearts.
Concluding in verses 32-40, David warns that the wicked lie in wait to destroy the righteous, but the Lord will protect and uphold the righteous and destroy the wicked. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, who helps and delivers them from the wicked.
Psalm 38
Psalm 38 is David’s sorrowful petition to the Lord to not forsake him in the midst of the Lord chastening him.
In verses 1-8, David describes the harsh and painful chastening from the Lord delivered on account of David’s sin. The guilt of his sin was crushing him. In verses 9-12, David describes his family and friends, avoiding him while his enemies plotted ways to ruin him.
David concludes in verses 13-22 expressing confidence in the Lord who would have compassion on him. His hope was in the Lord to answer his prayer and end his suffering.
Psalm 39
The theme of Psalm 39 is similar to Psalm 38, but the attacks by his enemies have ceased.
In verses 1-6, David recognized the brevity of life as he resolved not to sin with his tongue, while at the same time seeking relief from the Lord during this brief life.
In verses 7-13, David asked God to deliver him from his transgressions and to stop chastening him because he was completely spent. David concludes with a prayer that God would hear his plea for relief.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
