June 7, 2025
Whom have you told about the good news of God?
Psalm 37-42
Paul Figel
Big Book Idea
Worship is our response to God for who He is and what He has done!
Key Verse | Psalm 40:9-10
I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
Psalm 37-42
Chapter 37
He Will Not Forsake His Saints
1 37:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet Of David.
1
Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
2
For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.
3
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
2
37:3
Or and feed on faithfulness, or and find safe pasture
4
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
6
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
8
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
10
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11
But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.
12
The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
13
but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming.
14
The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose way is upright;
15
their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.
16
Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
17
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.
18
The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
and their heritage will remain forever;
19
they are not put to shame in evil times;
in the days of famine they have abundance.
20
But the wicked will perish;
the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
21
The wicked borrows but does not pay back,
but the righteous is generous and gives;
22
for those blessed by the LORD
3
37:22
Hebrew by him
shall inherit the land,
but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
23
The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in his way;
24
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand.
25
I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
26
He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.
27
Turn away from evil and do good;
so shall you dwell forever.
28
For the LORD loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29
The righteous shall inherit the land
and dwell upon it forever.
30
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
31
The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
32
The wicked watches for the righteous
and seeks to put him to death.
33
The LORD will not abandon him to his power
or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
34
Wait for the LORD and keep his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
4
37:35
The identity of this tree is uncertain
36
But he passed away,
5
37:36
Or But one passed by
and behold, he was no more;
though I sought him, he could not be found.
37
Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
38
But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Chapter 38
Do Not Forsake Me, O LORD
A Psalm of David, for the memorial offering.
1
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath!
2
For your arrows have sunk into me,
and your hand has come down on me.
3
There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
4
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.
5
My wounds stink and fester
because of my foolishness,
6
I am utterly bowed down and prostrate;
all the day I go about mourning.
7
For my sides are filled with burning,
and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8
I am feeble and crushed;
I groan because of the tumult of my heart.
9
O Lord, all my longing is before you;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
10
My heart throbs; my strength fails me,
and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.
11
My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague,
and my nearest kin stand far off.
12
Those who seek my life lay their snares;
those who seek my hurt speak of ruin
and meditate treachery all day long.
13
But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear,
like a mute man who does not open his mouth.
14
I have become like a man who does not hear,
and in whose mouth are no rebukes.
15
But for you, O LORD, do I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
16
For I said, “Only let them not rejoice over me,
who boast against me when my foot slips!”
17
For I am ready to fall,
and my pain is ever before me.
18
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
19
But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,
and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
20
Those who render me evil for good
accuse me because I follow after good.
21
Do not forsake me, O LORD!
O my God, be not far from me!
22
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
Chapter 39
What Is the Measure of My Days?
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1
I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2
I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3
My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4
“O LORD, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6
Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing
6
39:6
Hebrew Surely as a breath
they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8
Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9
I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
10
Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11
When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12
Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
13
Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!”
Chapter 40
My Help and My Deliverer
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
4
Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
5
You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
6
In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
but you have given me an open ear.
7
40:6
Hebrew ears you have dug for me
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7
Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8
I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9
I have told the glad news of deliverance
8
40:9
Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
10
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
11
As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain
your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
ever preserve me!
12
For evils have encompassed me
beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
my heart fails me.
13
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!
14
Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
15
Let those be appalled because of their shame
who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”
16
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, “Great is the LORD!”
17
As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!
Chapter 41
O LORD, Be Gracious to Me
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1
Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
9
41:1
Or weak
In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
2
the LORD protects him and keeps him alive;
he is called blessed in the land;
you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
3
The LORD sustains him on his sickbed;
in his illness you restore him to full health.
10
41:3
Hebrew you turn all his bed
4
As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me;
heal me,
11
41:4
Hebrew my soul
for I have sinned against you!”
5
My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die, and his name perish?”
6
And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
while his heart gathers iniquity;
when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
7
All who hate me whisper together about me;
they imagine the worst for me.
12
41:7
Or they devise evil against me
8
They say, “A deadly thing is poured out
13
41:8
Or has fastened
on him;
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
9
Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10
But you, O LORD, be gracious to me,
and raise me up, that I may repay them!
11
By this I know that you delight in me:
my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
12
But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.
13
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
Book Two
Chapter 42
Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?
To the choirmaster. A Maskil 14 42:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of the Sons of Korah.
1
As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
2
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
15
42:2
Revocalization yields and see the face of God
3
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
4
These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.
5
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation
16
42:5
Hebrew the salvation of my face; also verse 11 and 43:5
6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
7
Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
8
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
9
I say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10
As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
11
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
Footnotes
[1] 37:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet[2] 37:3 Or and feed on faithfulness, or and find safe pasture
[3] 37:22 Hebrew by him
[4] 37:35 The identity of this tree is uncertain
[5] 37:36 Or But one passed by
[6] 39:6 Hebrew Surely as a breath
[7] 40:6 Hebrew ears you have dug for me
[8] 40:9 Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10
[9] 41:1 Or weak
[10] 41:3 Hebrew you turn all his bed
[11] 41:4 Hebrew my soul
[12] 41:7 Or they devise evil against me
[13] 41:8 Or has fastened
[14] 42:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[15] 42:2 Revocalization yields and see the face of God
[16] 42:5 Hebrew the salvation of my face; also verse 11 and 43:5
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: Laurel tree
The laurel tree (37:35) may be the sweet-bay tree, which is found all over the Mediterranean and can grow up to 60 feet (18 m) in height. Parts of the tree can be used for medicinal purposes while its leaves (bay leaves) can be used for seasoning food.
Fact: How long is a handbreadth?
How long is a handbreadth? A handbreadth (39:5) was considered to be the width of the four fingers on one hand, or roughly 4 inches (10 cm).
Fact: Deer
There were at least three known species of deer in ancient Palestine. The red deer was the largest. The male could weigh up to 500 pounds (225 kg) while the female weighed up to 350 pounds (160 kg).
Fact: Who are the saints?
Who are the saints? The term “saints” is used in both the OT and NT to describe God’s people. In the OT it describes the faithful among God’s people Israel (37:28; 145:10). In the NT, the Greek word translated “saints” means “holy,” in the sense of being set apart for God. This includes all those, no matter what their background, who have put their trust in Jesus, the only one who can truly make them holy.
Terms in Psalms
| Term | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Image | A word or phrase that names a concrete action or thing; by extension, a character, setting, or event in a story is an image—a concrete embodiment of human experience or an idea. | the way (or path); the congregation (or assembly); nature (or harvest) (Psalm 1) |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison that does not use the formula like or as. | “The LORD is my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1). |
| Simile | A figure of speech in which a writer compares two things using the formula like or as. | “He is like a tree planted by streams of water” (Ps. 1:3). |
| Personification | A figure of speech in which human attributes are given to something nonhuman, such as animals, objects, or abstract qualities. | Light and truth are personified as guides in Psalm 43:3. |
| Hyperbole | A figure of speech in which a writer consciously exaggerates for the sake of effect; usually that effect is emotional, and thus, loosely put, hyperbole usually expresses emotional truth rather than literal truth. | “My tears have been my food day and night” (Ps. 42:3). |
| Apostrophe | A figure of speech in which the writer addresses someone absent as though present and capable of responding. By slight extension, an apostrophe might be an address to something nonhuman as though it were human and capable of responding, even if the speaker is in the presence of the object. | The poet in Psalm 148:3 might well be looking up at the sun, moon, or stars as he commands them to praise God. |
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 37:9 The contrast between the two outcomes, those who shall be cut off and those who shall inherit the land, recurs throughout the psalm (vv. 11, 22, 28–29, 34). See also Prov. 2:21–22. “Cut off” describes the “future of the wicked” (Ps. 37:38), which likely refers to the afterlife.
Ps. 37:12–20 The wicked person may hatch all manner of schemes against the righteous person (v. 12), but the faithful can live in contentment, even with little (v. 16; see Prov. 15:16; 16:8). They are confident that God knows the days of the blameless (Ps. 37:18) and will see to it that the wicked will perish, unfulfilled (v. 20).
Fact: Who are the saints?
Who are the saints? The term “saints” is used in both the OT and NT to describe God’s people. In the OT it describes the faithful among God’s people Israel (37:28; 145:10). In the NT, the Greek word translated “saints” means “holy,” in the sense of being set apart for God. This includes all those, no matter what their background, who have put their trust in Jesus, the only one who can truly make them holy.
Ps. 37:21–31 The contented person is free to give generously to the needy (do good, v. 27). Without such contentment one might be greedy and envious, or else be fearful about becoming poor. He knows his steps . . . are established by the LORD (v. 23), and thus even though he fall (probably, “suffer material hardship”) he can recover, for the LORD upholds his hand (v. 24). Verse 25 does not deny that there may be temporary setbacks for the righteous. The focus is on the ultimate outcome.
Fact: Laurel tree
The laurel tree (37:35) may be the sweet-bay tree, which is found all over the Mediterranean and can grow up to 60 feet (18 m) in height. Parts of the tree can be used for medicinal purposes while its leaves (bay leaves) can be used for seasoning food.
Psalm Ps. 37. This can be called a wisdom psalm because it reflects on themes normally dealt with in the Bible’s Wisdom Literature, particularly in Proverbs. It addresses the issue of why godless people often prosper. It shows that it really is better to stay loyal to the Lord—a loyalty expressed in contentment, honesty, and generosity. In his own good time, the Lord will make a clear distinction between the godless and the faithful. Meanwhile, the faithful must wait patiently.
Ps. 37:32–40 This final section assures the faithful that the LORD will not abandon them to the power of the wicked (vv. 32–33). He will ensure that both the righteous and the wicked receive their proper reward in due time (probably in the world to come, vv. 37–38; see note on v. 9).
Ps. 38:1–8 The singer acknowledges that he deserves his anguish because of his sin (anger, wrath, v. 1; because of, vv. 3, 5, 8).
Ps. 38:9–14 The singer’s friends and companions stand aloof (v. 11), thus adding loneliness to helplessness (vv. 10–11). This leaves him vulnerable to those who seek his life (vv. 12–14).
Psalm Ps. 38. In this lament the singer lays his troubles before God, fully realizing that those troubles result from his own sin. The psalm describes anguish of body and mind, desertion by friends, and how the singer’s folly has made him vulnerable to enemies. The title associates the psalm with the “memorial offering” (see note on Lev. 2:1–3).
Ps. 38:15–22 The singer shows true faith in confessing his sin (v. 18) and in calling the Lord his salvation (v. 22).
Ps. 39:1–3 The singer is probably concerned with what he might say aloud in his suffering before the wicked, perhaps blaming God. But he knows he must say something, and worship is the way to do it.
Fact: How long is a handbreadth?
How long is a handbreadth? A handbreadth (39:5) was considered to be the width of the four fingers on one hand, or roughly 4 inches (10 cm).
Ps. 39:4–6 To really understand how brief life is would protect the singer from wasting his life in pursuing wealth.
Psalm Ps. 39. This psalm allows those who are suffering to express their confusion to God. The circumstances of the suffering are left vague, although there is acknowledgment of sin (vv. 8, 11). Suffering is a reminder of how fleeting human life is.
Ps. 39:7–13 The singer asks God to deliver him from all his transgressions, thus admitting that he deserves God’s rebukes for sin. Look away (v. 13) asks God to turn away his angry gaze.
Ps. 40:6–8 Offering sacrifices without faith, repentance, and obedience is useless (see 50:8–15; 51:16–19; Isa. 1:11–17; Heb. 10:5–7). An open ear is one ready to listen to and obey God’s words.
Ps. 40:1–10 The singer reflects on previous situations in which he called on God for help (vv. 1–3). These situations have reinforced the lesson, blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust (v. 4). The song also teaches that one needs to thank God publicly for his help (vv. 3, 9–10).
Psalm Ps. 40. This psalm combines thanks for past mercies with a new request for God’s help.
Ps. 40:11–17 Verse 11 alludes to Ex. 34:6. Previous experiences provide assurance that, in the current difficulties (evils . . . beyond number and my iniquities, Ps. 40:12), God will again make haste to help the singer (v. 13). The faithful (all who seek the Lord) will rejoice and be glad (v. 16) when the singer tells the “glad news” in the “great congregation” (v. 9).
Ps. 41:1–3 The person who considers the poor is kind to them because they are fellow members of God’s people (usually “the poor” in the OT refers specifically to the poor in Israel). God honors the person who shows such kindness. He delivers him, protects him and, more specifically, sustains him on his sickbed.
Ps. 41:9 One expects enemies to be treacherous, but here the pain of betrayal comes from his close friend, who had received only kindness and who has now lifted his heel against the singer (see John 13:18).
Ps. 41:11–12 The singer returns to the faith described in vv. 1–3. Because of his faith, he can be confident that God will continue to honor his integrity, specifically his kindness to the poor (v. 1).
Psalm Ps. 41. This is a lament in which a person has fulfilled his responsibilities to the poor and yet is suffering severely. He prays for God’s help and vindication.
Terms in Psalms
| Term | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Image | A word or phrase that names a concrete action or thing; by extension, a character, setting, or event in a story is an image—a concrete embodiment of human experience or an idea. | the way (or path); the congregation (or assembly); nature (or harvest) (Psalm 1) |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison that does not use the formula like or as. | “The LORD is my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1). |
| Simile | A figure of speech in which a writer compares two things using the formula like or as. | “He is like a tree planted by streams of water” (Ps. 1:3). |
| Personification | A figure of speech in which human attributes are given to something nonhuman, such as animals, objects, or abstract qualities. | Light and truth are personified as guides in Psalm 43:3. |
| Hyperbole | A figure of speech in which a writer consciously exaggerates for the sake of effect; usually that effect is emotional, and thus, loosely put, hyperbole usually expresses emotional truth rather than literal truth. | “My tears have been my food day and night” (Ps. 42:3). |
| Apostrophe | A figure of speech in which the writer addresses someone absent as though present and capable of responding. By slight extension, an apostrophe might be an address to something nonhuman as though it were human and capable of responding, even if the speaker is in the presence of the object. | The poet in Psalm 148:3 might well be looking up at the sun, moon, or stars as he commands them to praise God. |
Ps. 42:1–5 The song begins with an expression of longing for God himself, using the image of thirst: As a deer pants for flowing streams. For the faithful, the answer to this longing comes in public worship (appear before God at the sanctuary; see Ex. 23:17).
Ps. 42:6–11 The second stanza sharpens the description of the singer’s situation. He is in the land of Jordan and of Hermon, far from the sanctuary in Jerusalem. He knows that God is not literally absent (v. 6), but he also feels that the sanctuary is where he meets God most fully. This stanza ends, like the first, with self-encouragement.
What if God doesn't restore me to full health?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 37-42
When I was in the third grade, a "friend" turned around to me after Catholic mass and said, "You know, you're really bad at singing." Despite that embarrassing experience, five years later, while singing (still poorly) at a discipleship camp, I had a life-changing, tangible experience of God's love for me. Since then, worship has held a special place in my heart. I love the Psalms because they help us express what is true about God, ourselves, and the gospel.
Psalms 38-41 were likely written by King David toward the end of his reign after his victorious rise and messy downfall. These psalms capture David's overwhelming burden of sin. While it's easy to imagine that David might have been tempted to ignore his sin, to write it off, or to defend it, David chose to sit in its consequences, feel his grief, and express it to God and others instead. David's honest worship through his time of sorrow kept him connected to the One who could deliver him.
In Psalm 40, David experiences the transition from affliction to redemption. In Psalm 40:9-10, David tells us his "glad news." According to its ancient Greek translation, David's passage reads, "I have told the gospel of deliverance in the great congregation." So what is the gospel according to David?
The gospel refers to God's character and His deliverance, both freely available to us today. In God's timing, God delivered David and gave him a new song to sing. God's purpose for deliverance was to help David see God's glorious character, but also for David to be used by God to influence many to "see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD." (Psalm 40:3) God's steadfast love does not stop with David but is extended to all.
The Psalms help us express what is true about God, ourselves, and the redemptive story He's unfolding. Honest worship, in affliction and redemption, is our response. Worship is always beautiful (but I apologize if I sit behind you at church).
This month's memory verse
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
– Psalm 119:9-11
Discussion Questions
1. David experienced the gospel through confession to God and others. In your opinion, what creates a safe space for confession? Spend a few minutes praying that you will be that person for others and have the courage to confess honestly when the time comes.
2. If you meet with a small group this week, practice sharing your 45-second version of God's story of grace in your life. Sometimes we struggle to share our stories because we don't know our stories well enough. Spend a few minutes today meditating on God's story of grace in your life.
3. Worshiping in the waiting is a difficult spiritual discipline. What does it look like to worship God when you're hurting, sad, lonely, disappointed, afraid, or tired?
References:
Blue Letter Bible (2025). Probable Timeline of When Each Psalm Was Written—Study Resources. (https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/parallel/paral18.cfm)