Psalm 37:20 - Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong
But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish
This phrase emphasizes the ultimate fate of those who oppose God. Throughout the Bible, the wicked are often contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the moral and spiritual divide between those who follow God's ways and those who do not. The concept of perishing is not just physical death but also spiritual separation from God. This echoes themes found in Psalm 1:6, where the way of the wicked leads to destruction. The idea of perishing is also seen in the New Testament, such as in John 3:16, where eternal life is contrasted with perishing.
like the glory of the fields
The imagery of the "glory of the fields" suggests something that is beautiful but temporary. In the ancient Near East, fields would bloom with flowers and crops, displaying a brief period of splendor before withering away. This metaphor is used to illustrate the fleeting nature of human achievements and earthly glory. Isaiah 40:6-8 similarly uses the imagery of grass and flowers to convey the transience of human life compared to the enduring word of God.
They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away
The comparison to smoke underscores the idea of impermanence and insubstantiality. Smoke rises and dissipates quickly, leaving no trace behind. This serves as a powerful image of the ultimate futility of wickedness and rebellion against God. The vanishing of the wicked is a theme that resonates with other scriptures, such as James 4:14, which describes life as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This imagery reinforces the biblical teaching that only what is rooted in God will endure.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The Wicked
Refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and righteousness. In the context of Psalm 37, they are contrasted with the righteous who trust in the Lord.
2. Enemies of the LORD
These are individuals or groups who actively oppose God's will and His people. They are often seen as those who reject God's authority and commandments.
3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in the Psalms, representing divine justice, righteousness, and faithfulness.
4. The Glory of the Fields
A metaphor for the temporary and fleeting nature of earthly wealth and beauty, which is used to illustrate the ultimate fate of the wicked.
5. Smoke
Symbolizes transience and impermanence, emphasizing how the wicked will ultimately disappear without a trace.
Teaching Points
The Temporary Nature of Wickedness
The wicked may seem prosperous and powerful, but their success is fleeting. Like smoke, they will vanish, reminding us not to envy their temporary gains.
Trust in Divine Justice
God's justice is sure and certain. We can trust that He will deal with the wicked in His time, and we should focus on living righteously.
The Importance of Righteous Living
Unlike the wicked, the righteous have an eternal inheritance. Our focus should be on cultivating a life that honors God and reflects His values.
The Futility of Opposing God
Those who set themselves against God will ultimately fail. It is wise to align ourselves with God's purposes and seek His will.
Eternal Perspective
This verse encourages us to maintain an eternal perspective, understanding that earthly troubles and the apparent success of the wicked are temporary.
(20) As the fat of lambs.--It is now generally allowed that this should be rendered as the glory of the meadows, recurring to the image of Psalm 37:2. The next clause may then be either, they are consumed, with smoke they are consumed; or, they pass away, like smoke they pass away.
Verse 20. - But the wicked shall perish (comp. vers. 2, 9, 10, 15, 36); literally, for the wicked shall perish. The happiness of the righteous cannot be complete until the wicked are removed out of their way; since, so long as they continue in the world, they will be ever vexing the righteous and troubling them (Psalm 56:1). And the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs. So, many of the old commentators, as Aquila, Kimchi, and others; and among moderns, Rosenmuller, and Professor Alexander. But the bulk of recent critics translate, as the excellency of the pastures (Hupfeld, Kay, Hengstenberg, Canon Cook, Cheyne, Revised Version); i.e. the rich herbage which is burnt up by the heat of summer (comp. ver. 2). Both translations seem to be tenable; but the latter is perhaps preferable, since the consumption of the fat of lambs upon the altar is connected with the idea, not of rejection, but of acceptance. Into smoke shall they consume away (comp. Psalm 102:3). Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction
the wicked
רְשָׁעִ֨ים ׀ (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person
and enemies
וְאֹיְבֵ֣י (wə·’ō·yə·ḇê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary
of the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
will perish
יֹאבֵ֗דוּ (yō·ḇê·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish
like the glory
כִּיקַ֣ר (kî·qar)
Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3368: Precious, rare, splendid, weighty
of the fields.
כָּרִ֑ים (kā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3733: A ram, a, battering-ram, a meadow, a pad, camel's saddle
They will vanish;
כָּל֖וּ (kā·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent
like smoke
בֶעָשָׁ֣ן (ḇe·‘ā·šān)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6227: Smoke
they will fade away.
כָּֽלוּ׃ (kā·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent
Links
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Psalm 37:20 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 37:20 But the wicked shall perish (Psalm Ps Psa.)