Psalm 36:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

NIV: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

NASB: For the fountain of life is with You; In Your light we see light.

CSB: For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.

NLT: For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.

KJV: For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

NKJV: For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

David has praised God for His mercy and gifts to mankind (Psalm 36:5–8). The greatest of these blessings is the offer of salvation. So, here, David praises the Lord for His "fountain of life" and being the Giver of light. Fountains and other images of moving water are used in the Bible with connection to life (Zechariah 14:8; Revelation 22:1; John 4:13–14). Light is the biblical ideal of truth, goodness, and knowledge.

The gospel of John reveals clearly that Jesus came into the world to give life and light to those who believe on Him (John 1:3; 14:6). In John 10:10 Jesus contrasts the thief who steals sheep with Himself. He states: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus told Lazarus' sister Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25–26). He told the scribes and Pharisees: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Believers in Jesus do not walk through life blindly. They follow Jesus, who guides them as surely as the pillar of fire guided Israel by night (Exodus 13:21–22).

Psalm 36:5–9 comes after a scathing description of the wicked person. David now focuses on the excellent characteristics of the Lord God. This positive focus on God's character offers deep peace and assurance. He knows he can trust the Lord to keep him safe from the evil schemes of the wicked.

David begins this psalm by reflecting on the deeply rooted sin which makes people rebel against God. This comes along with arrogance and an impulse to do evil all the time. In stark contrast, the Lord's character and conduct are flawless. His unfailing love is compared to the height of clouds and mountains and to the depth of the ocean. God's merciful love is praised. David concludes with a prayer that the Lord's unfailing love will continue to favor the upright in heart.

This psalm uses common themes from David's other writings which celebrate God's loyal love for those who honor Him (Psalm 3:3; 7:10; 40:9–10). The passage focuses on David's thoughts regarding evil in the world and the contrast such attitudes show to God's character. He concludes the psalm with a prayer that God would continue to extend love and righteousness to His people.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.