Psalms 37:17

Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, an acrostic poem that provides guidance and comfort to the righteous who often see the wicked prospering. It addresses the common human struggle of feeling discouraged or envious when evildoers seem to succeed. The psalm's overarching message, beginning with the exhortation "Fret not thyself because of evildoers," encourages trust in the LORD, patience, and righteous living, assuring believers that God will ultimately vindicate them and deal with the wicked. Verse 17 reinforces this core theme by contrasting the fleeting power of the wicked with the enduring, divine support for the righteous.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Retribution: The phrase "the arms of the wicked shall be broken" speaks to God's ultimate and inevitable judgment. It signifies the complete incapacitation and destruction of the wicked's power, influence, and ability to do harm. Their apparent strength is temporary and will be rendered useless by divine intervention.
• God's Unwavering Support for the Righteous: In stark contrast, "the LORD upholdeth the righteous" highlights God's active, faithful, and sustaining presence in the lives of those who walk in His ways. This isn't passive observation but active support, ensuring their stability, protection, and ultimate well-being, even amidst trials. This assurance aligns with other scriptures emphasizing God's unwavering support for His chosen ones.
• Contrast of Destinies: The verse vividly portrays two distinct destinies based on one's relationship with God. While the wicked face a loss of power and eventual downfall, the righteous are guaranteed divine sustenance and security.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the arms of the wicked" translates the Hebrew word zəro'a (זְרוֹעַ), which literally means 'arm' but metaphorically represents strength, power, might, and the means by which one acts or executes plans. Thus, "their arms shall be broken" means their power and ability to oppress or succeed in their evil schemes will be completely shattered. The word "upholdeth" comes from the Hebrew sāmaḵ (סָמַךְ), signifying to lean upon, support, sustain, or bolster. It conveys a strong, reliable, and active divine support, ensuring the righteous do not fall.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and a call to faith for believers today.

• Trust, Don't Fret: It reminds us not to be dismayed or envious when the wicked seem to prosper. Their success is illusory and temporary. Our focus should remain on God and His eternal promises.
• Patience and Perseverance: God's justice operates on His timeline, not ours. We are called to patiently wait for His intervention, knowing that He sees all and will act righteously. It encourages believers to cultivate patience and perseverance in doing good.
• Security in Righteousness: Living righteously, according to God's commands, is not a burden but a path to divine favor and protection. Our security is not in our own strength or worldly success, but in the LORD who actively sustains us.