What does "the LORD will not leave him in their power" mean to you? The Setting of Psalm 37:33 “The LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.” (Psalm 37:33) • David contrasts the righteous with the wicked throughout the psalm. • “Them” = the righteous person who trusts the LORD. • “Their power” = the grasp of the wicked who scheme to destroy (v. 12). What ‘Will Not Leave’ Conveys • The Hebrew idea behind “leave” (ʿāzab) is to abandon, forsake, or give over. • God pledges never to abandon a believer to the control, verdict, or outcome the wicked intend. • It is a covenant word: the same God who said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). Layers of the Promise 1. Present Protection – Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” – Schemes may wound, but they cannot ultimately prevail (Psalm 37:13). 2. Future Vindication – “Nor let them be condemned under judgment.” Final verdict belongs to God; the wicked court cannot overrule Him (Romans 8:33–34). 3. Spiritual Security – John 10:28–29: believers are held in the double grip of Son and Father—un-snatchable. – 2 Timothy 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” Why the Wicked Cannot Hold Ultimate Power • God’s sovereignty: He presides over every earthly bench and battlefield (Psalm 103:19). • His justice: He reserves the last word; no corrupt verdict stands unchallenged (Isaiah 54:17). • His covenant love: righteousness is credited, not earned, and therefore cannot be revoked by hostile hands (Romans 5:9–10). Daily Encouragements Drawn from the Verse – When false accusations fly, remember God keeps the gavel (Psalm 35:1). – When authorities misuse power, recall that God sets limits (Psalm 125:3). – When temptation feels overpowering, trust the promised escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). – When discipline or suffering lingers, see it as refinement, not abandonment (Hebrews 12:5–6). Christ—The Ultimate Proof • Wicked rulers condemned Jesus, but the Father “did not leave Him in the grave” (Acts 2:27). • His resurrection seals the pledge that no hostile verdict is final for those in Him (Romans 6:4–5). Living Out the Assurance • Rest—cease fretting over evil men (Psalm 37:7). • Wait—God’s timing may feel slow, yet it is certain (Psalm 37:34). • Act—keep doing good; evil’s frustration cannot cancel faithful obedience (Galatians 6:9). • Speak truth—refuse to let intimidation muzzle righteous testimony (Acts 4:19–20). • Hope—anticipate full vindication when Christ returns (2 Thessalonians 1:6–7). Takeaway “The LORD will not leave him in their power” means absolute, unbreakable security for the believer—now, in every challenge, and at the final judgment. Hostile hands may grasp, but they cannot hold; only the nail-scarred hands of our Lord have that right. |
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