What is the meaning of Psalm 36:7? How precious • David begins with an exclamation of value: “How precious …” (Psalm 36:7). Nothing is more treasured than what comes next. • Similar awe surfaces in Psalm 139:17: “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God.” God’s gifts repeatedly outshine material wealth (Psalm 119:72). • The Spirit invites us to slow down and weigh God’s goodness the way a jeweler appraises a flawless stone—admire, handle, and rejoice in it. is Your loving devotion, O God • “Loving devotion” (steadfast love) describes God’s covenant faithfulness revealed since Exodus 34:6, where He is “abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.” • This love is: – Unfailing (Lamentations 3:22–23). – Compassionate (Psalm 103:17). – Personal—note the direct address: “O God.” The psalmist speaks to a living Person, not an abstract force. • Because Scripture is literally true, we can treat God’s love as an unchanging reality rather than wishful thinking. that the children of men • The phrase widens the circle: God’s devotion is offered to all humanity, not merely Israel. Compare John 3:16—“God so loved the world.” • Acts 17:25 affirms that He “gives everyone life and breath,” underscoring universal grace. • Yet each individual must respond; belonging within the family does not happen by default (John 1:12). take refuge • “Take refuge” speaks of active trust. Psalm 46:1 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength.” • Refuge includes: – Protection from judgment (Psalm 2:12). – Peace amid turmoil (Philippians 4:6-7). – Confident hope for the future (Proverbs 18:10). • Literal storms or spiritual battles—either way, God offers a safe haven. in the shadow of Your wings! • The imagery recalls a mother bird shielding her young. Ruth 2:12 praises the God “under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” • Psalm 91:4 assures, “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” • Jesus embraces the same picture in Matthew 23:37, longing to gather Jerusalem “as a hen gathers her chicks.” • Under His wings we experience: – Nearness—protection requires closeness. – Tenderness—strength expressed through gentleness. – Safety—no predator penetrates His cover. summary Psalm 36:7 celebrates the priceless worth of God’s steadfast love, wide enough for every human yet close enough for personal shelter. All who consciously trust Him find secure refuge under His protective wings, resting in a love that never fails. |
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