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Psalms 37:3
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The "land" is throughout this Psalm the promised possession (Heilsgut), viz., the land of Jahve's presence, which has not merely a glorious past, but also a future rich in promises; and will finally, ore perfectly than under Joshua, become the inheritance of the true Israel. It is therefore to be explained: enjoy the quiet sure habitation which God gives thee, and diligently cultivate the virtue of faithfulness. The two imperatives in Psa 37:3, since there are two of them (cf. Psa 37:27) and the first is without any conjunctive Waw, have the appearance of being continued admonitions, not promises; and consequently אמוּנה is not an adverbial accusative as in Psa 119:75 (Ewald), but the object to רעה, to pasture, to pursue, to practise (Syriac רדף, Hos 12:2); cf. רעה, רע, one who interests himself in any one, or anything; Beduin râ‛â = ṣâḥb, of every kind of closer relationship (Deutsch. Morgenlnd. Zeitschr. v. 9). In Psa 37:4, ויתן is an apodosis: delight in Jahve (cf. Job 22:26; Psa 27:10; Isa 58:14), so will He grant thee the desire (משׁאלת, as in Psa 20:5) of thy heart; for he who, entirely severed from the creature, finds his highest delight in God, cannot desire anything that is at enmity with God, but he also can desire nothing that God, with whose will his own is thoroughly blended in love, would refuse him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Trust--sure of safety. shalt thou dwell--or, "dwell thou"; repose quietly. verily . . . fed--or, "feed on truth," God's promise (Psa 36:5; compare Hos 12:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Delight thyself also in the Lord,.... In the persons in God, Father, Son, and Spirit; in the perfections of God, his power, goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, love, grace, and mercy; in his works of creation, providence, and redemption; in his word, his Gospel, the truths and ordinances of it; in his house, and the worship of it; and in his people, the excellent in the earth, in whom was all the delight of the psalmist; and each of these afford a field of delight and pleasure, to attend unto, contemplate, and meditate upon; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart; such as are according to the will of God, and for the good of his people; such as relate to communion with him, and to the communication of more grace from him, and to the enjoyment of eternal glory.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
37:3-4 The antidote to irritability and envy (37:1) is trust in the Lord. 37:3 To do good means cultivating a devotion to wisdom (see 34:14; Prov 3:5-7).
Psalms 37:3
Delight Yourself in the LORD
2For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants. 3Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Story of My Vw Bug by K P Yohannan
By K.P. Yohannan1.3K03:48PSA 37:3PRO 19:17MAT 25:40GAL 6:101JN 3:18This sermon shares a touching story of a man purchasing a 1962 Volkswagen Bug from a young girl who was going to serve as a missionary in the Philippines. It emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to show kindness, encourage others, and support those in need, highlighting how God orchestrates simple incidents in our lives for a greater purpose.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 318
By Don Courville30632:28Radio ShowPSA 23:5PSA 37:1PSA 37:3ISA 26:3ACT 10:38EPH 2:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for revival and acknowledging the need for it in the church and the land. He then talks about the challenges and conflicts that families face on their way to church, where they put on a spiritual facade despite the internal struggles. The preacher shares a personal experience of going through a difficult time and how it was an opportunity for God to work in their lives. He emphasizes the importance of manifesting the presence of God in all circumstances and being a true representation of Jesus to others.
All In
By Dick Brogden1PSA 37:3PRO 3:5PRO 29:25EPH 6:16HEB 11:6JAS 2:26JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:3Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of complete trust and obedience in God, highlighting that disobedience is linked to disbelief, and when we stop believing, we stop obeying. He warns against rejecting God's counsel, as it leads to self-destruction and a descent into evil acts. Brogden stresses that trust in Jesus is essential in defeating the schemes of the devil, who seeks to undermine our faith. He encourages believers to give all their trust, obedience, strength, and thoughts to Jesus, as true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting and obeying Him alone.
The Eagle That Soars
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 37:3ISA 40:31MAT 6:34PHP 4:6HEB 13:5Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness, using the example of a poor but joyful Christian woman named Nancy who refused to dwell on 'supposes' and instead fully trusted in the Lord's provision. He emphasizes the power of Hebrews 13:5-6 in removing uncertainties from a believer's life by encouraging contentment and bold faith in God's promise to never leave nor forsake us. Cowman illustrates the need to focus on present trust in God rather than worrying about future troubles, likening it to the confidence of an eagle soaring above rivers without concern for how to cross them.
Trust and Rest
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 37:3PRO 3:5ISA 26:3JER 17:7Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of trust in God, highlighting how trust goes beyond mere belief or faith, as it involves leaning on God's love and character with the heart. Despite delays, difficulties, denials, and uncertainties, he encourages believers to continue trusting in God, assuring that He will bring about the desired outcome. The sermon emphasizes the need to trust and rest in God, even in the midst of trials and challenges, as He is faithful to fulfill His promises and bring peace and light in the end.
David Urging Others to Trust in the Lord
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 14:3PSA 25:4PSA 37:3PSA 86:11Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord, doing good, dwelling in His faithfulness, and delighting in Him to receive the desires of our hearts. He emphasizes that God's people are called to be characterized by goodness, which is only possible through the work of the Lord in their lives. By entrusting our hearts to God and allowing Him to plant godly desires within us, we can walk in His ways and experience His guidance in our daily lives.
The Providence of God
By Dougan Clark0PSA 37:3PRO 3:5ISA 26:3ROM 8:28PHP 4:6Dougan Clark preaches on the outer life of holiness, emphasizing the importance of joyful acceptance and harmony with God's providence, leading to a life of habitual obedience to conscience guided by revelation. He highlights the significance of aligning with God's will and laws of Providence, akin to a seed planted in the soil of God's providence, yielding much fruit. Clark stresses the rest found in God, the true center of spiritual reasoning, where doubts are removed, fears are cast out, and perfect peace is experienced by trusting in God.
Holiness: The Call to Enjoy God
By Mike Bickle0PSA 16:11PSA 36:7PSA 37:3PSA 63:1COL 1:10Mike Bickle preaches on the attainability of holiness through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need to draw on His strength and power. Holiness is not about achieving perfection on our own, but about enjoying God and finding satisfaction in Him. Bickle urges believers to resist the temptation of fleeting pleasures by being preoccupied with a superior fascination - a deep fascination with God that leads to a life of holiness and fruitfulness.
Hindrances to Faith
By G.D. Watson0PSA 37:3PRO 3:5MAT 14:31MRK 9:24JHN 5:44JHN 7:48ROM 12:21CO 2:5HEB 12:1G.D. Watson preaches on the importance of faith and the hindrances that can prevent us from fully trusting in God. He delves into the story of Peter walking on water and how his doubt stemmed from looking at his surroundings instead of focusing on Jesus' promises. Watson also highlights how seeking honor from men and the unbelief of those in positions of authority can hinder our faith. Additionally, he emphasizes the necessity of personal consecration to God as a key factor in strengthening our faith.
The Word of God and Prayer
By Samuel Chadwick0PSA 37:3PSA 46:1PSA 116:7PSA 119:25ISA 41:8ISA 41:10JHN 4:24EPH 6:172TI 2:15REV 5:5Samuel Chadwick emphasizes the vital connection between the Word of God and prayer, highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God's Word for quickening the soul and instructing in prayer. He warns against emotional unreality and intellectual preoccupation in prayer, stressing the importance of truth and spirit in worship. Chadwick discusses the devotional use of the Bible, encouraging a deep, personal engagement with Scripture in prayer, and the significance of understanding the Scriptures for effective prayer. He shares his personal method of using the Word in prayer, focusing on the Psalms and the transformative power of praying through specific passages.
Can God Spread a Table in the Wilderness?
By John Piper0DEU 8:16PSA 37:3PSA 78:21PRO 3:5HEB 12:11John Piper preaches about God's purpose in leading His people through the wilderness, emphasizing the lessons of humility, dependence, and trust that are learned in the midst of trials and detours. He highlights how the wilderness serves as a testing ground to prevent self-sufficiency and pride, ultimately leading to a deeper reliance on God's provision and power. Through the example of the Israelites' journey, Piper illustrates the importance of embracing the wilderness experiences in life as opportunities for growth, gratitude, and obedience to God's leading.
Keep Trusting
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 37:3PRO 3:5LUK 24:21HEB 10:23Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of maintaining unwavering faith in God, using the disciples' lack of continued trust on the road to Emmaus as a cautionary tale. He warns against allowing circumstances to shake our faith, urging believers to always declare, 'I am trusting,' instead of looking back and saying, 'We trusted.' Cowman highlights the need to trust God in all seasons, whether in the warmth of summer or the storms of winter, emphasizing that true faith remains steadfast regardless of external conditions.
As the Lord Liveth, Who Hath Redeemed My Soul
By F.B. Meyer0Divine RedemptionTrust in God2SA 4:9PSA 37:3PSA 40:2F.B. Meyer reflects on the faithfulness of God in David's life, emphasizing how God redeemed him from adversity and established his path. Meyer encourages believers to trust in the Lord for their needs and to refrain from taking matters into their own hands, as David did by refusing to harm Saul and the murderers of Ishbosheth. He reminds us that God is capable of removing obstacles and fulfilling His promises in His perfect timing. The sermon calls for patience and reliance on God's provision, reinforcing the belief that the One who redeemed our souls will not fail us. Ultimately, Meyer assures that God is alive, loving, and sovereign over our lives.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The "land" is throughout this Psalm the promised possession (Heilsgut), viz., the land of Jahve's presence, which has not merely a glorious past, but also a future rich in promises; and will finally, ore perfectly than under Joshua, become the inheritance of the true Israel. It is therefore to be explained: enjoy the quiet sure habitation which God gives thee, and diligently cultivate the virtue of faithfulness. The two imperatives in Psa 37:3, since there are two of them (cf. Psa 37:27) and the first is without any conjunctive Waw, have the appearance of being continued admonitions, not promises; and consequently אמוּנה is not an adverbial accusative as in Psa 119:75 (Ewald), but the object to רעה, to pasture, to pursue, to practise (Syriac רדף, Hos 12:2); cf. רעה, רע, one who interests himself in any one, or anything; Beduin râ‛â = ṣâḥb, of every kind of closer relationship (Deutsch. Morgenlnd. Zeitschr. v. 9). In Psa 37:4, ויתן is an apodosis: delight in Jahve (cf. Job 22:26; Psa 27:10; Isa 58:14), so will He grant thee the desire (משׁאלת, as in Psa 20:5) of thy heart; for he who, entirely severed from the creature, finds his highest delight in God, cannot desire anything that is at enmity with God, but he also can desire nothing that God, with whose will his own is thoroughly blended in love, would refuse him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Trust--sure of safety. shalt thou dwell--or, "dwell thou"; repose quietly. verily . . . fed--or, "feed on truth," God's promise (Psa 36:5; compare Hos 12:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Delight thyself also in the Lord,.... In the persons in God, Father, Son, and Spirit; in the perfections of God, his power, goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, love, grace, and mercy; in his works of creation, providence, and redemption; in his word, his Gospel, the truths and ordinances of it; in his house, and the worship of it; and in his people, the excellent in the earth, in whom was all the delight of the psalmist; and each of these afford a field of delight and pleasure, to attend unto, contemplate, and meditate upon; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart; such as are according to the will of God, and for the good of his people; such as relate to communion with him, and to the communication of more grace from him, and to the enjoyment of eternal glory.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
37:3-4 The antidote to irritability and envy (37:1) is trust in the Lord. 37:3 To do good means cultivating a devotion to wisdom (see 34:14; Prov 3:5-7).