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Commentary on Psalms 37 verses 34–40
The psalmist's conclusion of this sermon (for that is the nature of this poem) is of the same purport with the whole, and inculcates the same things.
I. The duty here pressed upon us is still the same (Psa 37:34): Wait on the Lord and keep his way. Duty is ours, and we must mind it and make conscience of it, keep God's way and never turn out of it nor loiter in it, keep close, keep going; but events are God's and we must refer ourselves to him for the disposal of them; we must wait on the Lord, attend the motions of his providence, carefully observe them, and conscientiously accommodate ourselves to them. If we make conscience of keeping God's way, we may with cheerfulness wait on him and commit to him our way; and we shall find him a good Master both to his working servants and to his waiting servants.
II. The reasons to enforce this duty are much the same too, taken from the certain destruction of the wicked and the certain salvation of the righteous. This good man, being tempted to envy the prosperity of the wicked, that he might fortify himself against the temptation, goes into the sanctuary of God and leads us thither (Psa 73:17); there he understands their end, and thence gives us to understand it, and, by comparing that with the end of the righteous, baffles the temptation and puts it to silence. Observe,
1.The misery of the wicked at last, however they may prosper awhile: The end of the wicked shall be cut off (Psa 37:38); and that cannot be well that will undoubtedly end so ill. The wicked, in their end, will be cut off from all good and all hopes of it; a final period will be put to all their joys, and they will be for ever separated from the fountain of life to all evil. (1.) Some instances of the remarkable ruin of wicked people David had himself observed in this world - that the pomp and prosperity of sinners would not secure them from the judgments of God when their day should come to fall (Psa 37:36, Psa 37:35): I have seen a wicked man (the word is singular), suppose Saul or Ahithophel (for David was an old man when he penned this psalm), in great power, formidable (so some render it), the terror of the mighty in the land of the living, carrying all before him with a high hand, and seeming to be firmly fixed and finely flourishing, spreading himself like a green bay-tree, which produces all leaves and no fruit; like a native home-born Israelite (so Dr. Hammond), likely to take root. But what became of him? Eliphaz, long before, had learned, when he saw the foolish taking root, to curse his habitation, Job 5:3. And David saw cause for it; for this bay-tree withered away as soon as the fig-tree. Christ cursed: He passed away as a dream, as a shadow, such was he and all the pomp and power he was so proud of. He was gone in an instant: He was not; I sought him with wonder, but he could not be found. He had acted his part and then quitted the stage, and there was no miss of him. (2.) The total and final ruin of sinners, of all sinners, will shortly be made as much a spectacle to the saints as they are now sometimes made a spectacle to the world (Psa 37:34): When the wicked are cut off (and cut off they certainly will be) thou shalt see it, with awful adorations of the divine justice. The transgressors shall be destroyed together, Psa 37:38. In this world God singles out here one sinner and there another, out of many, to be made an example in terrorem - as a warning; but in the day of judgment there will be a general destruction of all the transgressors, and not one shall escape. Those that have sinned together shall be damned together. Bind them in bundles, to burn them.
2.The blessedness of the righteous, at last. Let us see what will be the end of God's poor despised people. (1.) Preferment. There have been times the iniquity of which has been such that men's piety has hindered their preferment in this world, and put them quite out of the way of raising estates; but those that keep God's way may be assured that in due time he will exalt them, to inherit the land (Psa 37:34); he will advance them to a place in the heavenly mansions, to dignity, and honour, and true wealth, in the New Jerusalem, to inherit that good land, that land of promise, of which Canaan was a type; he will exalt them above all contempt and danger. (2.) Peace, Psa 37:37. Let all people mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; take notice of him to admire him and imitate him, keep your eye upon him to observe what comes of him, and you will find that the end of that man is peace. Sometimes the latter end of his days proves more comfortable to him than the beginning was; the storms blow over, and he is comforted again, after the time that he was afflicted. However, if all his days continue dark and cloudy, perhaps his dying day may prove comfortable to him and his sun may set in brightness; or, if it should set under a cloud, yet his future state will be peace, everlasting peace. Those that walk in their uprightness while they live shall enter into peace when they die, Isa 57:2. A peaceful death has concluded the troublesome life of many a good man; and all is well that thus ends everlastingly well. Balaam himself wished that his death and his last end might be like that of the righteous Num 23:10. (3.) Salvation, Psa 37:39, Psa 37:40. The salvation of the righteous (which may be applied to the great salvation of which the prophets enquired and searched diligently, Pe1 1:10) is of the Lord; it will be the Lord's doing. The eternal salvation, that salvation of God which those shall see that order their conversation aright (Psa 50:23), is likewise of the Lord. And he that intends Christ and heaven for them will be a God all-sufficient to them: He is their strength in time of trouble, to support them under it and carry them through it. He shall help them and deliver them, help them to do their duties, to bear their burdens, and to maintain their spiritual conflicts, help them to bear their troubles well and get good by them, and, in due time, shall deliver them out of their troubles. He shall deliver them from the wicked that would overwhelm them and swallow them up, shall secure them there, where the wicked cease from troubling. He shall save them, not only keep them safe, but make them happy, because they trust in him, not because they have merited it from him, but because they have committed themselves to him and reposed a confidence in him, and have thereby honoured him.
To God alone, who remains forever, I entrust; to God alone who can forgive sins, I entrust my salvation. He will be my protector in time of trouble and will help and deliver me. He will snatch me away from sinful people when the hour comes for him to give judgment. He will save me because in him I have hoped. Only in him have I hoped. For he does not wish that we should serve both him and another. The one who serves God alone is set free; for God’s is the praise and the glory. He alone is eternal. To him all honor and power from the beginning of the ages, and now, and always, and to all ages of ages. Amen.
(Verse 38.) But the unjust will perish together; the remnants of the wicked will be destroyed. The remnants of the righteous are virtues; the remnants of the wicked are wickedness and the sin of treachery. They will be wiped away, so that they will not exist.
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; not from the world, not from an element. Heaven and earth will pass away. I do not entrust my salvation to heaven; because it too will pass away, for it is said of many heavens: They will perish, but you will remain. I entrust myself only to God, who remains, who can forgive sins; that He may be my protector in times of tribulation, that He may help me and deliver me, and snatch me from the sinners in the time of His judgment, and make me safe, for I have hoped in Him. In Him alone I have hoped; for He does not desire us to serve both Himself and others. He who serves Himself alone is liberated; for to Himself belongs praise, glory, and eternal power, both now and forever, and unto all ages of ages.
"But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord, and He is their strength in the time of trouble" [Psalm 37:39]. "And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the sinners" [Psalm 37:40]. At present therefore let the righteous bear with the sinner; let the wheat bear with the tares; let the grain bear with the chaff: for the time of separation will come, and the good seed shall be set apart from that which is to be consumed with fire. [Matthew 13:30] The one will be consigned to the garner, the other to "everlasting burning;" for it was for this reason that the just and the unjust were at the first together; that the one should lay a stumbling-block, that the other should be proved; that afterwards the one should be condemned, the other receive a crown....
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SUMMARY
Psalm 37:39 encapsulates the profound theological truth that the ultimate source of deliverance and security for those who live righteously is the Lord alone. In a world often marked by the perplexing prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the faithful, this verse powerfully redirects the believer's gaze from transient circumstances to the unwavering, divine provision of Yahweh, who stands as an unshakeable fortress and an unfailing source of strength precisely when adversity strikes. It serves as a comprehensive assurance of God's sovereign care, active intervention, and faithful preservation of His people, culminating the psalm's wisdom teachings with a declaration of divine steadfastness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 37:39 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth and provide comfort to the reader. The most prominent is Contrast, as the verse begins with the adversative conjunction "But," setting up a clear distinction between the fleeting prosperity and ultimate destruction of the wicked (a theme meticulously developed throughout the psalm) and the enduring security and divine deliverance promised to the righteous. This contrast highlights the psalm's central argument: true blessedness and ultimate deliverance come from God, not from worldly success or human effort. Metaphor is powerfully evident in the concept of God as "strength," which, as discussed with the Hebrew word mâʻôwz, evokes images of an impregnable fortress, a secure refuge, or an unassailable stronghold. This is not merely an abstract quality but a tangible, protective presence that shields and sustains. The phrase "salvation of the righteous" also utilizes Synecdoche, where "salvation" stands for the entire comprehensive well-being and holistic deliverance God provides, encompassing all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, and emotional. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful Summary Statement and Climax, encapsulating the overarching message and theological conclusion of Psalm 37, bringing its diverse wisdom teachings to a climactic and profoundly reassuring close, affirming God's ultimate vindication of His faithful.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 37:39 stands as a profound theological statement on divine providence and the nature of true security. It asserts that salvation and strength are not human achievements or self-generated capacities but divine gifts, flowing directly from the immutable character and omnipotent power of Yahweh. This truth counters any inclination towards self-reliance, trust in worldly systems, or envy of the ungodly, redirecting faith solely to God. The verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them that their righteous living, though often challenging in a fallen world, is met with His unfailing protection and sustenance. It teaches that God is not a distant, detached deity but an immanent deliverer, actively involved in the lives of the faithful, especially during their most vulnerable moments. This theological bedrock provides immense comfort and a firm foundation for perseverance in the face of adversity, affirming that God's justice and faithfulness will ultimately prevail for those who trust in Him, securing their present and eternal hope.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, Psalm 37:39 offers an enduring source of comfort, challenge, and profound direction. In a world that often prioritizes self-sufficiency, material success, and instant gratification, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust. It reminds us that our ultimate security and ability to navigate life's inevitable challenges do not stem from our own ingenuity, financial stability, social standing, or even personal resilience, but from our intimate, covenant relationship with the sovereign God. When we face personal struggles, societal turmoil, spiritual attacks, or moments of despair, this verse serves as an unwavering anchor, urging us to lean fully on the Lord for our deliverance and support. It transforms difficult situations into profound opportunities to experience God's faithfulness and power firsthand, providing a bedrock of hope even when circumstances seem overwhelming and human solutions fail. Furthermore, while salvation is a gift of grace, the verse links God's special provision to "the righteous," serving as a powerful encouragement to pursue a life of integrity, justice, and obedience. This pursuit of righteousness is not a means to earn salvation, but a natural outflow of a heart transformed by God's grace, empowered by His Spirit, and trusting in His unfailing strength and protective care. It is an invitation to walk in a way that aligns with the character of the God who saves and strengthens.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "righteous" mean only perfect people receive God's help?
Answer: No, the term "righteous" (Hebrew tsaddîyq) in the biblical sense, especially in the Psalms, refers to those who are in a right relationship with God, striving to live according to His commands and trusting in His covenant faithfulness, even though they are not sinless. It's about their orientation towards God and their reliance on Him, rather than their flawless performance. God's help is extended to those who "delight themselves in the LORD" (Psalm 37:4), "commit their way to the LORD" (Psalm 37:5), and "trust in the LORD" (Psalm 37:3). This righteousness is ultimately a gift from God, enabling them to walk in His ways and receive His promised care.
How does this verse relate to the suffering of the righteous?
Answer: Psalm 37:39 directly addresses the tension of the righteous experiencing trouble. It doesn't deny their suffering but rather affirms that in those very times of trouble, God is their strength and salvation. The psalm as a whole acknowledges that the righteous will face adversity, but it contrasts their ultimate, God-given security with the fleeting prosperity and inevitable downfall of the wicked. It assures believers that their suffering is not a sign of God's abandonment but an opportunity to experience His sustaining power and ultimate deliverance, even if that deliverance is not always immediate or physical. This aligns seamlessly with the New Testament understanding that believers will face tribulation in the world but can take heart because Christ has overcome, providing His strength and peace amidst trials.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 37:39 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "righteous" one, who lived a life of complete obedience to God, fulfilling all righteousness, yet suffered immensely "in the time of trouble" on behalf of a fallen humanity. His sacrificial death on the cross, though appearing to be a moment of utter weakness and defeat, was in fact the supreme act of "salvation" (Hebrew tᵉshûwʻâh) provided by the Lord, delivering humanity from the power of sin, death, and the grave. As the resurrected Lord, Jesus is now the eternal "strength" (mâʻôwz) for all who believe, fulfilling the promise that God would be an unfailing stronghold. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the inexhaustible source of our strength and salvation, enabling believers to do all things through Christ who strengthens them and assuring them that if God is for us, who can be against us? through Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and through His finished work, believers are not only declared righteous by faith but also empowered to live righteously by His indwelling Spirit, finding in Him their eternal salvation and an ever-present strength that overcomes every trial and secures their hope, even unto eternal life in His glorious presence.