Psalm 37:39 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

NIV: The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

NASB: But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble.

CSB: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, their refuge in a time of distress.

NLT: The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

KJV: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

NKJV: But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.

David testifies that God saves the righteous and acts as their refuge in time of trouble. David learned firsthand that God is more than able to rescue His people in times of trouble. No enemy that sought to kill David succeeded, despite great odds. The Lord always protected him.

For example, both when David was threatened by the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41–51) and a fugitive in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:14), the Lord protected him. The Lord also delivers the righteous—those who trust in the Savior—from eternal judgment (John 10:28). Romans 6:23 explains that God's gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

When the flood waters claimed the lives of all who breathed in the time of Noah, Noah and his family were safe in the ark. The Lord had shut them in (Genesis 7:16; 2 Peter 2:5). Similarly, the righteous are safe in Christ. He is our ark! Also, when trials engulf us, we need not fret but trust, knowing God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Psalm 37:32–40 describes the actions of the wicked and the judgment they face at the hands of the Lord. It also relates what the righteous person ought to do and what the Lord will do for him. The wicked have a dreadful future, whereas the future of the righteous is one of exaltation, peace, and deliverance.

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.

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.

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 5/3/2024 8:17:43 AM