Psalm 36:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

NIV: Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

NASB: Your mercy, Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

CSB: Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.

NLT: Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

KJV: Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

NKJV: Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:13, writes: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Love is the first example David lists in describing God's character. He points out that God's love knows no limits. It extends to the heavens. But God's limitless love also extends to a world of lost sinners. John 3:16 affirms that He loved the world so much that "he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Romans 5:8 points out that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The Lord's love is so strong that nothing can separate His children from it (Romans 8:38–39). Not only is God's love limitless but His faithfulness is also without end. David describes this as extending to the clouds. God never fails to provide for His creatures. He is faithful to keep every promise He has made. Jeremiah repeats this idea in Lamentations 3:23.

This verse uses the Hebrew word hesed, often used to depict God's "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love" (Psalm 36:10)

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 12:07:26 PM