Acrostic Psalms

37:title Of David See note on 3:title.

37:2 like the grass Biblical writers often use plants to illustrate the brevity of human life (Ps 102:11; 103:15–16; Job 14:2; Isa 40:6–8).

37:3 Trust Yahweh Instead of envying the wicked, the righteous should trust in Yahweh. This trust is accompanied by action—“do good” and “befriend faithfulness.”

37:5 Commit to Yahweh your way To commit one’s way to Yahweh is to trust him with the outcome.

37:6 your righteousness See note on Ps 4:1.

37:7 Be quiet The Hebrew word used here, damam, means “to stand still” (Josh 10:12) or “to keep quiet” (Lev 10:3). Here it indicates both; people must patiently and quietly wait for Yahweh.

Do not fret The Hebrew word used here, charah, means “to become excited” or “to be angry.” The psalmist cautions against getting agitated or worried over the prosperity of the wicked. The righteous should wait for Yahweh and trust that He will eventually destroy the unrepentant wicked (Ps 37:9).

37:9 will possess the land Describes dwelling securely and enjoying Yahweh’s blessing. The Hebrew word used here often refers to the land of Israel specifically (Deut 4:1), but it can also be used generally to mean the earth (Prov 2:21–22).

37:10 yet a little while The psalmists asserts that God will soon destroy the wicked.

37:11 the afflicted will possess the land Jesus cites this verse in His Sermon on the Mount. See Matt 5:5 and note.

37:14 have bent their bow Describes the act of pulling back a bowstring in preparation for attack (11:2).

those upright in their way The Hebrew word used here, yashar—which may be literally rendered “straight” or “level”—describes someone who is honest (1 Sam 29:6) or righteous (Prov 11:6). The wicked prepare to attack the poor and needy as well as the righteous.

37:15 their bows shall be broken The bow was a symbol of strength in the ancient Near East (compare Gen 49:24; Job 29:20).

37:16 The little belonging to the righteous is better Righteousness with poverty is preferred to prosperity with wickedness.

37:17 the arms of the wicked shall be broken This refers symbolically to the destruction of strength (Jer 48:25).

37:21 is gracious and gives Proverbs often speaks about the benefits of generosity.

37:25 yet I have not seen Drawing on personal observation, a typical characteristic of wisdom literature (compare note on Ps 37:title–40), the author notes that he has not seen the righteous forsaken or poor.

37:27 abide forever Long life and success are frequently described in the ot as blessings for the righteous. See note on Prov 3:2.

37:30 his tongue speaks justice Justice, righteousness, and wisdom are closely related. See Prov 1:3 and note.

37:31 His steps will not slip See note on Ps 26:1.

37:33 when he is judged Yahweh, as the supreme judge (9:7–10), will judge righteously and not declare the innocent to be guilty.

37:34 Wait for Yahweh Describes eager hope and expectation for deliverance.

37:35 spreading himself out like a luxuriant native tree The Hebrew word used here, ra'anan, implies prosperity, vitality, and stability (52:8; 92:14). The prosperity of the wicked is temporary, and will fade like the grass (v. 2).

37:39 their refuge in the time of trouble Yahweh is a place of refuge for the oppressed. See note on 9:9.