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
An oracle is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked: “There is no fear of God before his eyes.” ​
2
For he flatters himself in his own eyes, too much to detect and hate his sin. ​
3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4
He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He doesn’t abhor evil. ​

The Immensity of God's Attributes

5
Your loving kindness, LORD, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. ​
6
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. LORD, you preserve man and animal. ​
7
How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings. ​
8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures. ​
9
For with you is the spring of life. In your light shall we see light. ​

Prayer for Protection and Assurance of Judgment

10
Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. ​
11
Don’t let the foot of pride come against me. Don’t let the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12
There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able 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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