What is the meaning of Psalm 37:39?

The salvation of the righteous

“The salvation of the righteous” (Psalm 37:39a) zeroes in on God’s people, those who stand in a right relationship with Him.

• The phrase assumes that righteousness is real and recognizable, like Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.”

• Scripture is consistent that genuine righteousness flows from faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 3:22), yet it shows itself in upright living (Psalm 1:1–3; James 2:17).

• Salvation here includes both eternal deliverance and present‐tense rescue, echoing Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”

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is from the LORD

The next words, “is from the LORD,” shift attention from the recipients to the Source.

• Our rescue is God-initiated and God-guaranteed, matching Jonah 2:9: “Salvation is of the LORD.”

• Every human effort falls short; Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that “it is the gift of God, not by works.”

• Because deliverance originates with Him, it is certain: “Our God is a God of salvation; the Lord GOD provides an escape from death” (Psalm 68:20).

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He is their stronghold in time of trouble

The closing line paints God as an unassailable fortress.

• “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2) reinforces the image.

• Nahum 1:7 adds, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.”

• Practical implications:

– When opposition rises (2 Timothy 3:12), believers can hide in His strength.

– In personal trials—illness, loss, uncertainty—His presence shores up faint hearts (Psalm 23:4).

– Even final judgment holds no terror; Romans 8:1 promises, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

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summary

Psalm 37:39 blends comfort and certainty. The righteous possess a salvation that God Himself provides, and the same Lord who saves also shelters. Because every part of their rescue and refuge “is from the LORD,” confidence replaces fear, and steadfast hope steadies them in every trouble.