FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 36
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 36: Recognition of the Sinfulness of mankind
For
the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord .
[Preliminary
Comments: A song by David who presents himself as
the servant of the Lord. It is a song about how the wicked show
their sinfulness [v.1], whose pride blinds them and allows them
to speak and do wrong, constantly planning wrongdoing. [v.1-4]
Almost in contrast David extols the goodness of the Lord – His
love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice [meditate on each]
[v.5,6] that brings blessings to His people [v.7-10] which brings
him security [v.11,12].
PART
1: v.1-4: The Wrongdoing of the Wicked
v.1a
This is all about the wicked
v.1
I
have a message from God in my heart
concerning
the sinfulness of the wicked:
v.1b-4
They are fearless of God, their pride covers their sin, they speak,
act & plan wrong
There
is no fear of God
before their
eyes.
v.2
In
their own eyes they flatter themselves
too much
to detect or hate their sin.
v.3 The
words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;
they fail
to act wisely or do good.
v.4 Even
on their beds they plot evil;
they commit
themselves to a sinful course
and do not
reject what is wrong.
Part
2: v.5-12: The Goodness of the Lord
v.5,6
David extols God's goodness
v.5
Your
love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness
to the skies.
v.6 Your
righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice
like the great deep.
You, Lord
, preserve both people and animals.
v.7,8
He testifies to how it is worked out for the good of His people
v.7
How
priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take
refuge in the shadow of your wings.
v.8
They
feast on the abundance of your house;
you give
them drink from your river of delights.
v.9,10
He brings life & light & love in all His right doing
v.9
For
with you is the fountain of life;
in your
light we see light.
v.10
Continue
your love to those who know you,
your righteousness
to the upright in heart.
v.11,12
He declares his security on the basis of what has happened
v.11
May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor
the hand of the wicked drive me away.
v.12
See
how the evildoers lie fallen—
thrown down,
not able to rise!
[Additional
Thoughts: A very basic psalm delineating the distinctions
between sinful mankind and the goodness of God. That goodness
is expressed in very practical ways that ultimately leaves him
feeling confident and secure.]
Continue
to Psa 37