Psalms36

Psalm 36 contrasts the pervasive wickedness of humanity with the boundless attributes of God. It describes the wicked as devoid of the fear of God, engaging in deceit and plotting evil. In stark opposition, the psalmist extols God's mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, and lovingkindness, which provide life and satisfaction to those who trust Him. The psalm concludes with a plea for divine protection and an affirmation of the ultimate downfall of the wicked.

The Depravity of the Wicked

1
For the leader. By David, the servant of ADONAI: Crime speaks to the wicked. I perceive this in my heart; before his eyes there is no fear of God. ​
2
For, the way he sees it, crime makes his life easy that is, until his wrongs are discovered; then, he is hated. ​
3
His words are wrong and deceitful; he has stopped being wise and doing good.
4
He devises trouble as he lies in bed; so set is he on his own bad way that he doesn't hate evil. ​

The Immensity of God's Attributes

5
ADONAI, in the heavens is your grace; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. ​
6
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God, your judgments are like the great deep. You save man and beast, ADONAI. ​
7
How precious, God, is your grace! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings, ​
8
they feast on the rich bounty of your house, and you have them drink from the stream of your delights. ​
9
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. ​

Prayer for Protection and Assurance of Judgment

10
Continue your grace to those who know you and your righteousness to the upright in heart. ​
11
Don't let the foot of the proud tread on me or the hands of the wicked drive me away.
12
There they lie fallen, those evildoers, flung down and unable to rise. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 36

Verse 1

This psalm contrasts the inherent evil of the wicked with the boundless goodness of God. The transgression of the wicked is rooted in a fundamental lack of reverence for God (fear of God), which is the source of all moral knowledge.

Verse 2

The wicked person is trapped in self-deception, justifying their actions internally until the severity of their sin is exposed by circumstances or divine judgment.

Verse 4

This depicts the constant, premeditated nature of the wicked’s plotting, contrasting sharply with the righteous who meditate on God's law day and night (Ps 1:2).

Verse 5

The psalm shifts abruptly from human sin to divine perfection. God's *mercy* (Hebrew: *hesed*, covenantal faithfulness) and *faithfulness* (Hebrew: *emunah*) are described using cosmic metaphors (heavens and clouds), emphasizing their limitless scope.

Verse 6

God’s *righteousness* is firm and reliable like the 'great mountains,' while His *judgments* are deep and mysterious like the 'great deep.' This verse highlights God’s meticulous providential care for all creation, including both humans and animals.

Verse 7

The excellence of God's *lovingkindness* is the foundation of human trust. The imagery of taking refuge 'under the shadow of thy wings' is a powerful metaphor for security and protection found only in God.

Verse 8

The 'fatness of thy house' and the 'river of thy pleasures' describe the abundant spiritual satisfaction and delight found in communion with God, often interpreted as the joys of the Temple or the future bliss of the redeemed.

Verse 9

This is a profound theological statement: God is the ultimate source of existence and vitality (fountain of life). Spiritual understanding and moral truth (*light*) are only accessible through His revelation.

Verse 10

The psalm concludes with a petition, asking God to continue manifesting His covenantal love and righteousness specifically toward those who truly know and walk uprightly before Him.

Verse 12

This verse switches from petition to declarative assurance (a prophetic perfect), confidently stating the finality of the wicked’s downfall as if it has already occurred, affirming God’s ultimate justice.

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