Psalms 37:39
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
Original Language Analysis
וּתְשׁוּעַ֣ת
But the salvation
H8668
וּתְשׁוּעַ֣ת
But the salvation
Strong's:
H8668
Word #:
1 of 6
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)
מֵיְהוָ֑ה
is of the LORD
H3068
מֵיְהוָ֑ה
is of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מָֽ֝עוּזָּ֗ם
he is their strength
H4581
מָֽ֝עוּזָּ֗ם
he is their strength
Strong's:
H4581
Word #:
4 of 6
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
Cross References
Psalms 9:9The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.Psalms 91:15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.Psalms 3:8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Historical Context
Israel's entire history demonstrated dependence on YHWH for deliverance: Egyptian plagues, Red Sea crossing, wilderness provision, conquest victories, exile return. No military might or diplomatic alliance proved sufficient. The name Yeshua (Jesus) means "YHWH saves," embodying this perfectly.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways are you tempted to seek salvation or security from sources other than God?
- How have you experienced God as a fortress during specific times of trouble and distress?
- How does recognizing salvation as exclusively "of the LORD" affect evangelism and discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD (וּתְשׁוּעַת צַדִּיקִים מֵיְהוָה, u-teshu'at tzaddikim me-YHWH)—Teshu'ah (salvation) comes exclusively me-YHWH (from the LORD), excluding all human sources. He is their strength in the time of trouble (מָעוּזָּם בְּעֵת צָרָה, ma'uzzam be-et tzarah)—Ma'oz means stronghold, fortress; tzarah is distress, tribulation.
After describing both destinies, David identifies the ultimate source: YHWH himself. Salvation isn't self-generated through works but received from God. This anticipates Ephesians 2:8-9. God himself becomes the believer's fortress. Righteousness doesn't eliminate suffering but ensures divine presence within it.