Last time, I began talking about Psalm 37:4, and how this is a verse that has been misunderstood by many over the years. Let me jump right back in. Another reason that Psalm 37:4 is not a formula that teaches us how we can get any selfish desire we want from God is because of the surrounding context of Psalm 37.
A fundamental key in Biblical interpretation is viewing a passage in its context. Psalm 37 begins with these words: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away” (verses 1-2). The main theme of Psalm 37 is an admonition not to envy how easy the wicked seem to have it. God sees and knows. Trust Him. One day, the Lord will vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. The author makes that point over and over again.
In verse 3 of Psalm 37, we read, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” It is only at this point that we read to delight in God, and He will give us the desires of our hearts. In verses 5 and 6, we are told, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
You can’t just yank verse 4 out of its context; it’s found where it is for a reason. In fact, the New English Translation (NET) renders Psalm 37:3-4 this way: “Trust in the Lord and do what is right. Settle in the land and maintain your integrity. Then you will take delight in the Lord and he will answer your prayers” (italics mine for emphasis). Keep the verse in context.
Kevin
No comments:
Post a Comment