Psalms 37:28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

For the LORD {H3068} loveth {H157} judgment {H4941}, and forsaketh {H5800}{H8799)} not his saints {H2623}; they are preserved {H8104}{H8738)} for ever {H5769}: but the seed {H2233} of the wicked {H7563} shall be cut off {H3772}{H8738)}.

For ADONAI loves justice and will not abandon his faithful; they are preserved forever. But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.

For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

For Jehovah loveth justice, And forsaketh not his saints; They are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, often attributed to King David, that offers practical guidance and encouragement to the righteous who observe the apparent prosperity and success of the wicked. Throughout the psalm, David advises believers not to fret or envy evildoers, but to trust in the Lord and do good. Verse 28 provides a foundational reason for this trust, rooted in God's unchanging character and His ultimate administration of justice.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Justice and Righteousness: The opening phrase, "For the LORD loveth judgment," highlights a core aspect of God's nature. It signifies His intrinsic delight in what is right, fair, and just. God's actions are always aligned with His perfect standard of righteousness, even when human perception may struggle to understand His timing or methods. This divine attribute is the bedrock of His governance over all creation.
  • Divine Preservation of the Righteous: The verse powerfully declares that the Lord "forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever." This is a profound assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant loyalty to those who are devoted to Him. His "saints" (KJV) are His faithful, godly ones, and He guarantees their enduring protection, an everlasting spiritual inheritance, and a lasting legacy, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting success of the ungodly. This promise offers immense comfort and security to believers.
  • The Certain Doom of the Wicked: In stark contrast to the preservation of the righteous, the verse concludes with "but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off." This underscores the temporary nature of the wicked's influence and prosperity. While they may flourish for a season, their legacy, posterity, and influence will ultimately be extinguished. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate judgment and the futility of a life lived apart from Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "judgment" is mishpat (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜), which encompasses not only punitive justice but also righteous governance, equitable dealings, and what is morally right. It speaks to God's perfect standard and administration of justice in all His ways.
  • "Saints" translates from chasidav (ื—ึฒืกึดื™ื“ึธื™ื•), meaning God's faithful, pious, or godly ones. It implies those who demonstrate chesed (loyal love, steadfast mercy) towards God, and to whom God shows chesed in return, emphasizing a mutual relationship of faithfulness.
  • "Preserved for ever" (ื ึดืฉึฐืืžึฐืจื•ึผ ืœึฐืขื•ึนืœึธื, *nishmeru le'olam*) suggests an enduring, perpetual protection and a lasting legacy, emphasizing God's continuous watch care over His people.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse provides profound encouragement for believers to maintain their integrity and trust in God, even when facing adversity or witnessing the temporary success of the ungodly. It reinforces the truth that God is sovereign and ultimately just, ensuring that righteousness will prevail and wickedness will not have the final word. It calls believers to live a life of faith, knowing that their spiritual inheritance and divine preservation are secure in the hands of a faithful God. We are reminded that God's justice is not merely punitive but restorative and redemptive, always working towards His ultimate righteous purposes.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 11:7

    For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

  • Proverbs 2:22

    But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

  • Psalms 21:10

    Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.

  • Isaiah 59:21

    As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

  • Job 27:14

    If his children be multiplied, [it is] for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

  • 1 Peter 1:5

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

  • Jude 1:1

    ยถ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: