What is the meaning of Psalm 37:35? I have seen David opens with personal testimony: “I have seen…”. • This is an eyewitness observation, not hearsay (compare Psalm 37:25; Psalm 73:16-17). • It reminds us that God’s people are not blind to evil; we notice when wrongdoers seem to succeed (Job 21:7-9). • The psalmist’s experience sets up a lesson: appearance is not the same as final reality (2 Corinthians 4:18). a wicked, ruthless man David describes the subject plainly. • “Wicked” points to open rebellion against God (Psalm 1:4-6). • “Ruthless” (violent, unrestrained) stresses cruelty toward others (Proverbs 12:10; Isaiah 13:11). • Such people often look unstoppable for a season (Habakkuk 1:13). Yet Scripture assures us that God’s justice has not gone off duty (Psalm 37:9-10). flourishing The wicked appears to thrive. • Outward prosperity can be dazzling: wealth, influence, longevity (Jeremiah 12:1-2). • Believers may feel tempted to envy (Psalm 73:3). • God lets this flourish for a time as part of His larger plan (Romans 2:4). Key truth: apparent success does not equal divine approval (Luke 16:19-25). like a well-rooted native tree The metaphor highlights stability and deep roots. • A native tree is naturally suited to its soil; it looks permanent (Job 29:18). • But the very next verse shows the reality: “then he passed away, and lo, he was no more” (Psalm 37:36). • Contrast the righteous who are “like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3); their roots are in God, not merely in earthbound success. God promises to uproot every counterfeit tree (Matthew 15:13). summary Psalm 37:35 exposes a common tension: the wicked can seem invincible, deeply rooted, and flourishing. David’s firsthand observation assures us this is only a snapshot, not the whole story. God allows temporary prosperity, yet His justice will surely prevail. Therefore, believers can trust the Lord’s timing, resist envy, and keep their confidence anchored in eternal truth rather than in the transient success of the unrighteous. |
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