Psalms 37:3

Authorized King James Version

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּטַ֣ח

H982

Trust

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בַּֽ֭יהוָה

H3068

in the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַעֲשֵׂה

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ט֑וֹב

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

שְׁכָן

H7931

so shalt thou dwell

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

אֶ֝֗רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּרְעֵ֥ה

H7462

thou shalt be fed

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אֱמוּנָֽה׃

H530

and verily

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?