Psalms 36:10

O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

O continue {H4900} thy lovingkindness {H2617} unto them that know {H3045}{H8802)} thee; and thy righteousness {H6666} to the upright {H3477} in heart {H3820}.

Continue your grace to those who know you and your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Oh continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee, And thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

Psalms 36:10 is a heartfelt prayer, a petition for the continued manifestation of God's divine attributes towards those who are in a right relationship with Him. It beautifully contrasts the preceding verses, which describe human wickedness, with the boundless goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.

Context

This verse concludes a section of Psalm 36 (verses 5-9) that extols the vastness and glory of God's character. After observing the pervasive nature of sin in the first part of the psalm, David turns his focus to the Lord's magnificent attributes: His mercy reaches unto the heavens, His faithfulness unto the clouds, His righteousness like the great mountains, and His judgments like the great deep. Verse 10, therefore, is a natural outflow of this contemplation, moving from praise to a specific request rooted in God's demonstrated nature.

Key Themes

  • God's Enduring Attributes: The core of the plea is for God to "continue" His lovingkindness and righteousness. This emphasizes the unchanging and eternal nature of God's character.
  • Covenant Loyalty (Lovingkindness): The Hebrew word for "lovingkindness" is hesed (חֶסֶד), which denotes steadfast love, mercy, and covenant loyalty. It's a rich term signifying God's faithful adherence to His promises and His gracious disposition towards His people. It's not just affection but a deep, unwavering commitment.
  • Divine Justice and Salvation (Righteousness): "Righteousness" (Hebrew: tsedeq, צֶדֶק) refers to God's moral perfection, His just administration, and His acts of salvation and deliverance. It's His right action in upholding justice and bringing salvation to those who trust Him.
  • Knowing God: The phrase "them that know thee" implies more than intellectual assent; it speaks of an intimate, experiential relationship with God, a personal acquaintance that transforms the heart and life. This resonates with the call to glory in knowing the Lord.
  • Integrity of Heart: "Upright in heart" describes those whose inner being is sincere, morally sound, and aligned with God's will. It speaks to authenticity and integrity before God, contrasting with the deceitful hearts of the wicked. This echoes the blessing for the pure in heart.

Linguistic Insights

The term hesed for "lovingkindness" is central to understanding God's covenant relationship with Israel and, by extension, believers. It signifies a loyal, unfailing love that is foundational to His character. Similarly, tsedeq for "righteousness" encapsulates God's just nature and His actions that set things right, often involving deliverance and salvation for His people.

Practical Application

Psalms 36:10 encourages believers to live in a way that truly "knows" God – through prayer, study of His Word, and obedience. It assures us that God's steadfast love and perfect justice are continually available to those who walk in integrity and sincerity of heart. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to seek an authentic relationship with the Lord, trusting that His nature is to bless and sustain those who are devoted to Him. It's a prayer we can echo daily, asking God to continue His gracious work in our lives as we strive to walk in His ways and reflect His character.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 24:7

    And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

  • Psalms 97:10

    Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Psalms 97:11

    Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

  • Hebrews 8:11

    And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

  • Psalms 9:10

    And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

  • Jeremiah 22:16

    He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.

  • 1 Peter 1:5

    Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

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