Psalm 37/Overview/Introduction
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Author
- Anonymous
Book
- Book 1 of the Psalter (Chapters 1–41)
Psalm 37: A Brief Summary
- Psalm 37 is a response to a person struggling to trust in YHWH when the wicked are prospering. The psalm's reply to such an individual is that any prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. In Israel, flowers that were found where cattle graze referred to grass that would wither after only a short time. In the same way, the wicked will soon wither. Moreover, the psalm's advice to the righteous is not only to trust YHWH and not be upset by the success of the wicked, but also to do good. The purpose of the psalm, therefore, is to encourage the righteous and direct them towards a trust shown by tangible and visible actions.
"They will soon wither" This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.
- The phrase “They will soon wither” captures the confidence of this psalm: David has encountered many wicked people in his lifetime, and his experience is unanimous: as surely as the flowers, also called the grass, will soon wither, so, too, the wicked will not last.
Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.
- To encourage the righteous not to be upset by the success of the wicked, but to trust in YHWH and do good.
Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.
- The wicked will be destroyed, and the righteous will possess the land. Therefore, don't get upset about the wicked! Trust in YHWH and do good!
Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.
- The wicked will not last for long. It is the righteous who will possess the land.