Through the Psalms

In this Psalm, David addresses the age old question, “Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?” He tells us to trust in the Lord and do good. David also encourages the listener to wait on the Lord. He says the wicked will be cut off, but the meek shall inherit the land. The introduction to this episode includes an excerpt from John Quincy Adams’ diary on the topic of Psalm 37.

The motto of Columbia University comes from this Psalm. David speaks first of the wicked man. Then he switches gears to talk about the lovingkindness of God. He closes with a prayer of protection.

The Reverend Jacob Duche’ read this Psalm in the First Continental Congress. John Adams was so moved by it and the following prayer that he mentioned it in a letter to his wife, Abigail. In this imprecatory psalm, David prays for God to fight against his enemies and pursue them. David, in the midst of this persecution, finds joy in the Lord and gives Him thanks.

David blesses the Lord for delivering him from trouble. David encourages people to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. David teaches us what he has learned, which includes how to have life and see good days. Finally, David contrasts how the Lord deals with the righteous and the wicked.

This unattributed praise psalm (David probably wrote it) speaks of the importance of praising the Lord through music and singing because of his righteousness, truth, justice, creation, and mercy. It also reminds us to make sure that our trust is in the Lord and not in human strength or military might.

David describes the blessedness of forgiveness that can be ours when we confess our sins to God. God surrounded David with songs of deliverance and mercy. This is one of the seven Penitential Psalms or Psalms of Confession.

David trusts in God and prays for deliverance as he deals with enemies, physical suffering, and slander. He praises God for his goodness and faithfulness. He closes the psalm with an admonition to be of good courage.

David praises God for deliverance from his enemies, for healing, for turning his mourning into dancing, and for taking off his sackcloth and girding him with gladness. David also reminds us that while weeping may endure for the night, joy comes in the morning.

David urges us to worship the Lord and give glory unto Him. The power of the voice of the Lord is discussed in relation to the storms of nature. David concludes this psalm with a precious promise of God’s blessing in the form of strength and peace.

David prays to God for deliverance and for punishment of the wicked. Then he rejoices and praises God for answered prayer. He concludes by asking God to save, bless, shepherd, and carry His people.