Background Details

The Psalm of David that will hold our interest during this week is Psalm 37. It is the lucrative ground, as it were, which we shall scout through, as we navigate with spiritually open eyes and ears. We do not want to miss any valuables that are buried in this Psalm.

I confess upfront, that I am thankful for this opportunity to comb the entire psalm, with our Guide, the Preeminent, the Alpha, the Leader, who has no difficulty in taking us along with Him. Perhaps some of you are as I am, knowing the popular verses of Psalm 37, but quite in the dark when it comes to the other verses. However, we are resolved to follow through as the entire psalm is searched.

This psalm comes to us with a title, as recorded in the NKJV of the Bible. It says, ‘The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked.” The entire psalm, from beginning to end speaks to the people of God. David is not conversing with God here, he is not in prayer to God. He is addressing the people of God who are being obedient to God and are walking in His ways. He is encouraging them to remain firm and true in the Lord, in the midst of all wickedness and evil. He is reminding them of who their God is and how unalterably faithful He is to all who are righteous. He also reminds the righteous, of God as being a Just Judge and that He does not uphold the wicked. He warns the wicked of the terrible calamity that will certainly befall them, if they remain unrepentant and stubborn in their wickedness.

Before we get into, what I call, the actual ground of the psalm, it is necessary for us to have an overview, purview, preview and review of some background details, which will certainly arm us for what we shall be unearthing in this most lucrative and fertile ground, as found in Psalm 37.  

Overview – David is addressing his people, his own people, among whom he lives. These are God’s people, for Israel is God’s chosen people and God has made him king of God’s people. Understand therefore, from the onset, that David is not speaking to anyone outside of his Israelite people. He’s not speaking to pagans, non-Jehovah worshippers, people who do not know the Almighty, Saving power of Israel’s God, to deliver them from the bondage of slavery, freeing them forever, from Pharaoh’s tyranny. This discourse is not addressed to their outside wickedness of enemies, such as the Philistines, the Canaanites, the Ammonites and other such enemies. He is having a serious and solemn talk with his own people, about the deadly wages to the wicked and glorious gifts to the righteous. His address is vivid and exceedingly clear, with absolutely no grey areas at all, regarding the wicked and the righteous. He shows exactly how Sovereign, Almighty God, deals with each set of people.

Purview – If purview means one’s scope of knowledge, one’s experience and competence, then David is most fitted to speak to us. All that David is saying, falls in his purview. Not one item, not one experience, not one admonition is outside of his purview. David is speaking, not from learning, not from study, not from revelations or any such blessed receiving. No! David is speaking from his own living experiences. In other words, whatever he speaks to us and tells us, is his personal testimony, which none can gainsay.

Preview – In his love and care for his people, David is giving view and preview in one, when he speaks so passionately, freely and strongly about life in Israel. David is not just speaking of what used to be, what obtained in the past, nor is he only speaking of what may be experienced in the future. No! David is also speaking of the present, for as he speaks, he is still experiencing some of what he’s warning against. This preview is living, on the spot, hearing and heeding.

Review – I use review, for is this not a most opportune time for you and for me to look at ourselves and with the distinct help of the Holy Spirit, review our lives? Is this not the perfect time for each of us, children of the Father, people called the New Israel, to know, in this present moment, exactly where we stand with our Heavenly Father? Do you honestly know the Spirit’s, review of your life? Why not? In light of what David has spoken to us, are we sure of who we are, whether we are the righteous or the wicked?

With the help of Holy Spirit, and the pure mercy, pity and grace of God, as previously announced, this week will be given exclusively to Psalm 37, from which we look for perfect help and healing from God. People, my own people, I say this because like me, when you read what was offered above, weren’t you flooded with Jesus, not David? When you read the overview, the purview, the preview and the review, did not you see and hear Jesus in full, living image, and not just David?

I invite you to come with me, as we spend a time on Jesus and Jesus alone in this Psalm of David, even before we get into the detailed viewing of all that David has brought before us.

God willing, and with the Spirit’s help, tomorrow, we look forward to that precious privilege of faith-enriching, trust-energising and hope-enhancing.

Holy Spirit, Right and Upright Spirit of Truth and Goodness, we are before You, because You have opened us up to pure justice and righteousness, which none can refute. Your Word is a living, conquering, convicting and convincing Word, for all who will know life, abundant life, life in all its glory. Holy, Divine Helper, we know that You have come to show and teach us truths about our Blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. You have all power and all authority for You are God, and we wait before You. Please grant us minds and hearts attuned to You and none other. Shut us up with You in tender love and mercy. Let the beauty and sweetness of Jesus capture and wash us within and without. Thank You Holy Spirit, for preparing us, to God’s honour and glory. Amen!