READ: Ps. 36:1–12: … the wicked … flatters himself in his own eyes … iniquity and deceit … How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! … For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light …
This Psalm can be divided into three parts. In verses 2–5 it concerns the wicked man, and in verses 6–8a the glory of the LORD. In the remainder of the Psalm the prayer of David is heard for deliverance from the wicked and to take refuge with the LORD and enjoy His benefits.
David calls himself the servant of the LORD, by which he distances himself from the man who wants to live without God and be his own standard. This man devises in his heart injustice that opposes God’s justice. It is whispered to him in his innermost heart without his contradicting it (v.2).
It brings to mind the words of the devil in paradise, which were also not contradicted. The wicked may think that he can sin with impunity, but God hates iniquity; He does not leave it unpunished (v.3).
How strikingly man as we know him in our society is then portrayed in a few sentences, where God is no longer honored and one does what is right in his own eyes, against His Word.
Turning away from the wicked, David now directs his attention to the LORD Himself. How great and glorious He is compared to foolish wicked men. Opposed to their injustice and deceit stands God’s lovingkindness—His gracious love and faithfulness—which are immeasurably great.
There is also His righteousness: His justice and truth, firm as the mountains, expressed in His divine judgments and deliverances. With this glorious and faithful God His children may take refuge, as under the shadow of His wings (cf. Deut. 32:11).
They are also fed and strengthened with abundant and delightful gifts, granted in fellowship with Him as believer and as congregation (v.9).
The gifts are further named in David’s petition (vv.10–13): true life that comes from God, His lovingkindness and righteousness; the light of eternal salvation in Christ (e.g., Isa. 9:1; John 1; 8:12; 12:46; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 1:5,7).
In what do we see God’s lovingkindness?
Singing: Ps. 36:2,3