Who wrote Psalm 37?

Psalm 37 is a rich and profound piece of biblical literature that offers wisdom and encouragement to those who seek to live righteous lives in the face of wickedness and adversity. Understanding who wrote Psalm 37 and the context in which it was written is essential for appreciating its depth and relevance.

Psalm 37 is attributed to David, the second king of Israel, who is also credited with composing many other psalms. The superscription of the psalm itself indicates Davidic authorship: "Of David." David, known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), was not only a warrior and king but also a poet and musician. His life experiences, ranging from shepherding flocks to ruling a nation, and from fleeing enemies to experiencing profound personal failures, provided a rich tapestry from which he drew his psalms.

Psalm 37 is classified as a wisdom psalm, which means it shares characteristics with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. This psalm, in particular, addresses the perennial problem of the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. It offers counsel on how to live faithfully in such circumstances, emphasizing trust in the Lord and a long-term perspective on justice and righteousness.

The psalm opens with an exhortation to not fret because of evildoers or be envious of those who do wrong (Psalm 37:1). This sets the tone for the entire psalm, which contrasts the fleeting success of the wicked with the enduring security of the righteous. David encourages his readers to trust in the Lord and do good, promising that those who delight in the Lord will receive the desires of their hearts (Psalm 37:3-4). This reflects David's own experience of God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous life.

One of the key themes of Psalm 37 is the idea of divine justice. David assures the righteous that the Lord will act on their behalf and that the wicked will ultimately face judgment. For example, Psalm 37:10-11 states: "A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity." This echoes Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, where He says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

David's emphasis on the temporality of the wicked's success and the permanence of the righteous' reward is a recurring theme in the psalm. He uses vivid imagery to illustrate this contrast, such as in Psalm 37:20: "But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord's enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke." This poetic language underscores the ultimate futility of wickedness.

Another significant aspect of Psalm 37 is its call to patience and trust in God's timing. David advises his readers to "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7). This counsel is particularly poignant coming from David, who himself had to wait many years between being anointed as king and actually ascending the throne. His life was marked by periods of waiting and trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seemed bleak.

David also emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and blameless life. He writes, "The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever" (Psalm 37:29). This promise of inheritance is not just about material blessings but also about a deep, abiding relationship with God. David's own relationship with God, characterized by repentance and worship, serves as a model for the kind of life that Psalm 37 advocates.

The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God's faithfulness and justice. David declares, "The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him" (Psalm 37:39-40). This closing affirmation encapsulates the central message of the psalm: that despite the apparent success of the wicked, God is ultimately in control and will uphold the righteous.

In addition to the biblical text itself, Christian tradition and literature have often reflected on the themes of Psalm 37. For instance, Augustine of Hippo, in his "Expositions on the Psalms," emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's providence and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. Similarly, John Calvin, in his "Commentary on the Psalms," underscores the psalm's call to patience and faith in God's timing.

Understanding that David wrote Psalm 37 adds a layer of depth to its message. David's life, marked by both triumphs and trials, gives credibility to his counsel on trusting God amidst adversity. His personal experiences of God's faithfulness, even when he faced significant challenges, provide a powerful testimony to the truths he articulates in the psalm.

In summary, Psalm 37, penned by David, offers timeless wisdom on how to live a righteous life in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It calls believers to trust in the Lord, live blamelessly, and wait patiently for God's justice. David's own life experiences enrich the psalm's message, making it a profound source of encouragement for all who seek to follow God faithfully.