Types of Psalms Table

36:title music director See note on 4:title.

Of David See note on 3:title.

36:2 he flatters The psalmist notes that flattery (chalaq in Hebrew) is an empty and even destructive activity (Prov 29:5).

36:3 The words of his mouth Emphasizes the speech of the wicked, common in Wisdom literature (Prov 2:12; 4:24; 12:13). A person’s words reflect their character (compare Prov 15:2, 28).

36:4 He plans sin on his bed Even at night, the wicked still plan trouble.

36:5 your loyal love The psalmist describes Yahweh’s character as chesed, referring to His faithful, covenantal love (see note on Exod 34:6).

Chesed Word Study

your faithfulness unto the clouds Describes the wide scope of these characteristics.

36:6 the mighty mountains The Hebrew phrase used here, which can be literally rendered as “mountains of God,” probably serves as a superlative and can be understood as “the greatest mountains.” Mountains symbolize stability (Deut 33:15) and power (Zech 4:7).

like the great deep Refers to the depths of the oceans, showing the scope of Yahweh’s judgment (Ps 36:5).

You save man and beast Yahweh’s salvation extends to all life on earth.

36:7 How precious is The term yaqar means “precious,” “rare” (1 Sam 3:1), or “valuable” (1 Kgs 7:11). While God’s love is vast and all encompassing, it is as precious as a rare stone.

the shadow of your wings This image compares Yahweh’s tender care for His people with the way a bird protects and cares for its young (Deut 32:11). See note on Ruth 2:12.

36:8 They are refreshed with the fullness of In the ancient Near East, hosts were responsible for protecting as well as providing food for their guests. The psalmist portrays God as a generous host. See note on Ps 23:5.

36:9 the fountain of life A symbol of renewal and vitality, this is a common term in Proverbs (Prov 13:14; 14:27; 16:22).