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Studies in the Book of Psalms. “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth”. Lesson 11: Psalm 37. Psalm 37 – An Overview. This Psalm is a teaching (didactic) Psalm, written by David late in his life (v. 25) Its theme focuses on those who will “inherit the earth” (vs. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34)
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Studies in the Book of Psalms “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth” Lesson 11: Psalm 37
Psalm 37 – An Overview • This Psalm is a teaching (didactic) Psalm, written by David late in his life (v. 25) • Its theme focuses on those who will “inherit the earth” (vs. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34) • Its description of what it means to “inherit the earth” (vs. 11, 22, 29, 3) helps us understand the blessing that Jesus pronounced on the meek in Matthew 5:5 (cf. Matthew 6:33) • Inheriting the earth means perpetually enjoying an abundance of peace in this life. • The little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of the wicked (v. 16; Ecclesiastes 5:19—6:2)
Psalm 37 – An Overview • This Psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. • Psalm 37 may be outlined as follows: • Exhortation for the Righteous (37:1-8) • Contrasts between the Wicked and the Righteous (37:9-26) • The futility of the wicked (37:9-17) • The steadfastness of the righteous. (37:18-26) • Counsel for the righteous (37:27-40)
Exhortation for the Righteous (Psalm 37:1-8) • Do not envy evildoers (37:1-2) • Their time is short (cf. Proverbs 24:19-20) • Put your faith in the Lord (37:3-8) • If we “Trust in the Lord and do good,” we will “feed on His faithfulness” (37:3; Isaiah 1:19) • If we “delight” in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (37:4; 1 John 5:14-15) • If we commit our way to the Lord, He will “bring it to pass” (37:5-6). • If we “rest in the Lord,” we will not fret (37:7-8)
Contrasts between the Wicked & the Righteous (Psalm 37:9-26) • The Futility of the Wicked (37:9-17) • In contrast to the meek, the wicked will soon be cut off (37:9-11; 55:23; Proverbs 10:27) • In opposition to the Lord (37:12-17; 7:13-16) • The Steadfastness of the Righteous (37:18-26) • Continually blessed in contrast to the wicked (37:18-22) • His steps are ordered by the Lord, and the Lord upholds him (37:23-26; Micah 7:8)
Counsel for the Righteous(Psalm 37:27-40) • Depart from evil and do good (37:27-33) • The Lord loves and preserves the righteous (37:27-29). • The righteous have God’s law in their hearts and on their tongues (37:30-31). • The Lord will protect the righteous from the wicked (37:32-33). • Wait on the Lord to see His justice (37:34-40) • Note what has happened to the wicked (37:35-36) • Note what will happen to the righteous (37:37-40)