Psalm 36: God’s Loving-Kindness

Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. —Psalm 36:5, 6

David could not understand the depravity of the wicked.

Their actions puzzled him. This psalm describes the steps taken by one who turns his back on the Lord and walks in his own shadow.

A man first pays no heed to his conscience (v. 1).

He cherishes a sin in his heart and thinks longingly upon it.

He then speaks of how it might be accomplished.

His conscience becomes numb to sin and no longer condemns it (v. 2).

Once the conscience has become corrupted (vv. 3, 4), the man yields to impulse and commits the act. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19).

The psalmist next speaks of God’s mercy and faithfulness (v. 5).

God is just. His judgments are limitless and profound (v. 6).

He cares for all creation and provides merciful safety under His wings for those oppressed by evil men (v. 7). In God may be found all that is necessary for a believer to live in trust and plenty. David compares God’s blessings to drinking one’s fill (v. 8; see also John 4:10–14).

This is an especially powerful image for those who have lived in areas where water is precious. Believing in God gives meaning to life (John 1:4; 5:26).

God’s commandments set boundaries for one’s conscience.

Only by walking in the Light can we see to adjust our course in this dark world of sin (v. 9). David therefore asks God to continue to reveal Himself (v. 10), so knowledge of Him might deliver a fountain of joy (John 17:3). David prays for deliverance from proud sinners and for protection from those who would harm and separate him from God (v. 11).

Those who love the Lord will ultimately be triumphant while the wicked will be permanently destroyed (v. 12). “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

“Live out Thy life within me, / O Jesus, King of kings! / Be Thou Thyself the answer / To all my questionings; / Live out Thy life within me, / In all things have Thy way! / I, the transparent medium / Thy glory to display.”