Psalms 36

12 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 36 contrasts the wicked's transgression with God's steadfast mercy and righteousness, urging trust in divine protection.

Summary

The psalm begins by describing the wicked’s pride and deceit, depicting how their iniquity blinds them and leads them astray. It then shifts to exalt the LORD’s mercy, faithfulness, and righteousness, portraying these qualities as lofty as mountains and as deep as a great abyss. The psalmist declares that God preserves all creation and that the lovingkindness of God shelters the faithful under His wings. He praises God’s provision, saying that the faithful will be richly satisfied and drink from the river of God’s pleasures. The psalm concludes with a personal plea to remain free from pride and wickedness, trusting that those who know God will be protected and that the wicked will ultimately fall.

Outline

Condemnation of wickedness and their deceptive ways
Praise of God’s mercy, faithfulness, and righteousness
Personal plea for protection and affirmation of faith

Themes

Contrast between wickedness and divine justiceGod’s mercy and faithfulnessProtection for the righteous

Keywords

wickednessiniquitydeceitmercyfaithfulnessrighteousnesslovingkindnessprotectionpride

People

LORD (God)The psalmist

Places

HeavenCloudsMountainsDeepRiver

Things

MercyFaithfulnessRighteousnessLoveProtectionRiver of pleasures

Key Verses

Psalms 36:5: Shows the boundless nature of God's mercy, extending to the heavens.
Psalms 36:6: Highlights God's righteousness as immovable and protective for all beings.
Psalms 36:9: Emphasizes the life-giving fountain of God, illuminating believers.

Questions

What does Psalm 36 suggest about the nature of God’s justice versus the wicked’s deceit?
How does the psalmist’s plea for protection reflect his relationship with God?
In what ways can the imagery of mountains and deep waters deepen our understanding of divine righteousness?

Sentiment

mixed
Negative toward the wicked; positive toward God’s mercy and righteousness.