What is the message of Psalm 36:5-6?

Psalm 36:5-6 is a beautiful and profound passage that encapsulates the boundless and unfathomable nature of God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. These verses read:

"Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals." (Psalm 36:5-6, NIV)

To understand the message of these verses, it is essential to delve into the imagery and language used by the psalmist, traditionally attributed to David. Each line of this passage reveals a different attribute of God, using metaphors that emphasize their vastness and incomprehensibility.

God's Love: "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens"

The first attribute mentioned is God's love, described as reaching to the heavens. This metaphor suggests the infinite and all-encompassing nature of divine love. The heavens, in ancient Near Eastern cosmology, represented the highest and most distant realm known to humanity. By stating that God's love reaches to the heavens, the psalmist emphasizes that it is beyond human measurement and understanding. This love is not limited or conditional but extends to all creation, reflecting the New Testament teaching in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

God's Faithfulness: "Your faithfulness to the skies"

Next, the psalmist speaks of God's faithfulness, likening it to the skies. The skies, or the firmament, are seen as vast and unending. This imagery conveys God's unwavering and steadfast nature. In a world where human promises often fall short, God's faithfulness stands in stark contrast. His promises are sure, and His word is unbreakable. Lamentations 3:22-23 echoes this sentiment: "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

God's Righteousness: "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains"

The righteousness of God is compared to the highest mountains. Mountains, in biblical literature, often symbolize strength, stability, and permanence. By comparing God's righteousness to the highest mountains, the psalmist highlights its unshakable and enduring nature. God's righteousness is not subject to change or decay; it stands firm and unmovable. This righteousness is a standard by which all actions are measured, and it is perfectly embodied in the character and actions of God. Isaiah 51:6 reinforces this idea: "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."

God's Justice: "Your justice like the great deep"

The psalmist then turns to God's justice, comparing it to the great deep. The great deep, or the depths of the ocean, represents something mysterious, vast, and profound. Just as the depths of the ocean are largely unexplored and beyond human comprehension, so too is the justice of God. His justice is perfect and all-encompassing, reaching into the hidden and unseen aspects of life. It is a justice that is not only fair but also merciful, as seen in the balance of justice and mercy throughout Scripture. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this balance: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Preservation of Creation: "You, Lord, preserve both people and animals"

Finally, the psalmist acknowledges God's role as the sustainer and preserver of all life. This line underscores the idea that God's care and provision extend to all of His creation, not just humanity. It reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:26, where Jesus teaches about God's care for the birds of the air, and Psalm 104, which poetically describes God's provision for all creatures. This preservation is an expression of God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice in action.

Theological Implications

The message of Psalm 36:5-6 is rich with theological implications. It calls believers to reflect on the nature of God and His attributes, fostering a deeper sense of awe and reverence. Understanding God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice leads to a greater appreciation of His character and His actions in the world. It also challenges believers to emulate these attributes in their own lives, striving to reflect God's love and faithfulness in their relationships, uphold righteousness in their actions, and seek justice in their communities.

Moreover, these verses provide comfort and assurance. In a world marked by uncertainty and change, the unchanging nature of God's attributes offers a solid foundation for faith. Believers can trust in God's love that never fails, His faithfulness that endures, His righteousness that stands firm, and His justice that prevails. This trust is not based on human understanding but on the revealed character of God in Scripture.

Practical Application

Reflecting on Psalm 36:5-6 can lead to several practical applications in the life of a believer. Firstly, it encourages a posture of worship and gratitude. Recognizing the vastness of God's love and faithfulness should lead to heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. Regularly meditating on these attributes can deepen one's relationship with God and enhance personal devotion.

Secondly, these verses inspire ethical living. Understanding God's righteousness and justice should motivate believers to pursue these qualities in their own lives. This means standing up for what is right, seeking justice for the oppressed, and living with integrity. It also involves showing love and faithfulness in relationships, being reliable and trustworthy, and extending grace to others.

Lastly, Psalm 36:5-6 offers hope and encouragement. In times of difficulty and uncertainty, remembering God's unchanging nature can provide strength and comfort. Believers can hold on to the promise that God is with them, preserving and sustaining them through all circumstances.

Conclusion

Psalm 36:5-6 is a powerful reminder of the greatness of God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. Through vivid imagery, the psalmist conveys the boundless and incomprehensible nature of these divine attributes. This passage invites believers to reflect on the character of God, fostering a deeper sense of awe, trust, and devotion. It also challenges believers to live out these attributes in their own lives, pursuing love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice in all they do. In a world of uncertainty, the unchanging nature of God provides a solid foundation for faith and a source of enduring hope.