Psalms 36
Read Psalms 36 (WEB)+
1An inner sanctuary is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked: “There is no fear of God before his eyes.” 2For he flatters himself in his own eyes, too much to detect and hate his sin. 3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good. 4He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He doesn’t abhor evil. 5Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. Yahweh, you preserve man and animal. 7How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings. 8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures. 9For with you is the spring of life. In your light shall we see light. 10Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11Don’t let the foot of pride come against me. Don’t let the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.”
Psalms 36:5
Summary
Psalm 36 is a contrast between the wickedness of humanity and the steadfast love of God. The psalm begins by painting a picture of the sinful nature of the wicked, who are deceitful and reject wisdom and goodness. Their paths are marked by vanity and iniquity, and they do not fear God. However, the psalm quickly shifts to focus on God's character, celebrating His unwavering love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. The psalmist marvels at the vastness of God's love, which extends to the heavens, and His faithfulness that reaches to the skies. God's righteousness is compared to mighty mountains, and His judgments to the great deep. It concludes with a plea for God's continued protection and loving-kindness towards those who know Him, asking that they be safeguarded from the hand of the wicked.
Key Themes
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