What does Psalm 37:27 mean?
ESV: Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
NIV: Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.
NASB: Turn from evil and do good, So that you will dwell forever.
CSB: Turn away from evil, do what is good, and settle permanently.
NLT: Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever.
KJV: Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
NKJV: Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore.
Verse Commentary:
David exhorts his readers to reject everything morally wrong and to do what is morally right. Choices are a necessary part of life, but the choice between evil and good has everlasting consequences. No choice is more important, or more fundamental, than to obey the will of God by believing in Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18; 6:28–29).
This verse contains an interesting comment: that the choice between good and evil is tied to life. And, not merely any kind of life, but something phrased as to "dwell forever" or "abide forever." The NIV includes the phrase "in the land," but there are no actual Hebrew words for this in the manuscripts. The CSB makes this "settle permanently," also interpreting this as another reference to the Promised Land (Psalm 37:9, 11). However, this remark is not tied explicitly to any territory. Believers are guaranteed eternal life (John 10:28), a theme which seems to be echoed in the next verse (Psalm 37:28).
When the Hebrews camped in the wilderness on the border of Canaan, they had a choice: to believe God and enter Canaan promptly and possess it or to remain in the wilderness and die. They made the wrong choice, and only faithful Joshua and Caleb and the younger generation entered Canaan, the Promised Land (Numbers 13—14). When faced with temptation, believers in God have a choice: to flee from it or yield to it. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:19: "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity" (Luke 13:27; Matthew 7:21–23).
Verse Context:
Psalm 37:21–31 points out the blessings of the righteous. David describes not only their blessings but also their character and conduct. The Lord blesses the righteous with the promise of an inheritance, personal guidance, protection, provision, a good posterity, and His presence.
Chapter Summary:
In this psalm, David contrasts the way God protects and saves His people, contrasted with the ruin which awaits the wicked. Much of this seems to be based on David's own experiences (Psalm 37:25, 35). As with many other passages in Psalms and Proverbs, this passage encourages godly wisdom. Those who reject God and His ways can expect uncertainty on earth and disaster in eternity.
Chapter Context:
Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David's assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age.
Book Summary:
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.
Accessed 11/21/2024 6:31:22 PM
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