Psalm 37:10, 11 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 great peace.
Psalm 37 is a longer psalm than usual. Of David, it is a meditation on the need for the righteous not to fret but to patiently trust in the LORD until the wicked die away and the righteous are vindicated. The righteous and the wicked are contrasted. The former are generous, the latter borrow but do not repay. In verses 10 and 11 we have an epitomising couple of verses. Similar examples are found in verses 9, 17 and 22 - evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land ... the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous ... those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. In verses 10 and 11 David asserts that a big change is coming in a little while (compare the soon in verses 2 and 36). At that time the wicked will be no more. To emphasise this he says though you look for them, they will not be found. This same point is made many times in the psalm - like the grass they will soon wither ... die away (2) ... be cut off (9) their day is coming (13) their swords will pierce their own hearts ... their bows ... broken (15) power ... broken (17) ... will perish: ... like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish ... like smoke (20) those he curses will be cut off (22) offspring ... will be cut off (28) ... the wicked ... cut off ... (34) ... destroyed; ... future ... cut off (38). As for the promise, that is of a piece with other great promises here for God's people - he will give you the desires of your heart (4) ... make your righteousness shine like the dawn ... (6) The days of the blameless are known to the LORD ... their inheritance will endure ... they will not wither ... will enjoy plenty (18, 19) though he stumble, he will not fall ... the LORD upholds him ... (24) their children will be blessed (26) ... you will dwell in the land for ever ... the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected ... (27, 28) the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it for ever (29) the LORD will not leave them ... or let them be condemned ... (33) He will exalt you to inherit the land (34) there is a future ... (37) The LORD helps ... delivers them ... from the wicked ... saves ... (40). Let's heed the warning and believe the promise.
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