Bible Commentaries
Psalms 36

Verses 1-12

This Ps. consists of two strongly contrasted pictures, one of the wickedness of the wicked man (Psalms 36:1-4), and one of the goodness of God (Psalms 36:5-9), followed by a prayer that the Psalmist may continue to enjoy God’s blessing (Psalms 36:10-11), and by a confident assurance of the final overthrow of the wicked (Psalms 36:12). The Ps. seems to reflect the social conditions of a later age than David’s.

1. The transgression of the wicked saith] Sin is personified as an oracle to whose voice the wicked man listens. Within my heart] A better reading is, ’within his heart.’ There is no fear of God, etc.] quoted in Romans 3:18.

2. Until, etc.] RV ’that his iniquity shall not be found out and be hated.’

3, 4. A description of the character and conduct of the man who is deceived by sin.

5. There is an abrupt transition here to an infinitely nobler theme.

6. Great mountains] RV ’mountains of God.’ In these vv. all that is infinite, sublime, and unfathomable in nature is made emblematic of the perfections of Jehovah. 8. God is host as well as protector. The figure is perhaps taken from the sacrificial meals eaten by the worshippers in the Temple (Leviticus 7:15).

9. A highly spiritual conception of the nature of man’s fellowship with God, anticipating some of the loftiest teaching of the NT.

12. There] The overthrow of the wicked is already a visible fact for the Psalmist’s faith.