Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary < PSALM 36
Ps 36:1-12. On servant of the Lord, see on [583]Ps 18:1, title. The wickedness of man contrasted with the excellency of God's perfections and dispensations; and the benefit of the latter sought, and the evils of the former deprecated. 1. The general sense of this difficult verse is, "that the wicked have no fear of God." The first clause may be rendered, "Saith transgression in my heart, in respect to the wicked, there is no fear," &c., that is, such is my reflection on men's transgressions. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. 2-4. This reflection detailed.
until his iniquity—literally, "for finding his iniquity for hating"; that is, he persuades himself God will not so find it—"for hating" involving the idea of punishing. Hence his words of iniquity and deceit, and his bold rejection of all right principles of conduct. The climax is that he deliberately adopts and patronizes evil. The negative forms affirm more emphatically their contraries. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. 5, 6. mercy … and … faithfulness—as mercy and truth (Ps 25:10).
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. 6. righteousness [and] judgments—qualities of a good government (Ps 5:8; 31:1). These all are set forth, by the figures used, as unbounded.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 7. shadow of thy wings—(Compare De 32:11; Ps 91:1).
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. 8. fatness—richness.
thy house—residence—for the privileges and blessings of communion with God (Ps 23:6; 27:4). river of thy pleasures—plenteous supply; may allude to Eden. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. 9. Light is an emblem of all blessings, given of God as a means to gain more.
O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. 10. that know thee—right knowledge of God is the source of right affections and conduct.
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. 11. foot of … hand … wicked—all kinds of violent dealing.
There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise. 12. There—in the acting of violence, they are overthrown. A signal defeat. |
