Psalms 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 37 is an acrostic wisdom psalm attributed to David in his old age (v. 25 suggests an elderly perspective). Written during a period when the wicked appeared to prosper while the righteous suffered, this psalm addresses a perennial problem that troubled ancient Israel and continues to challenge believers today.
The agricultural metaphors throughout the psalm reflect ancient Israel's agrarian society, where land inheritance, harvests, and sustenance were constant concerns. The promise of desires being fulfilled would have resonated deeply with people facing economic uncertainty, foreign oppression, or social injustice under corrupt leaders.
In David's context, he had experienced both wilderness wandering and palace dwelling, persecution by Saul and prosperity as king. His counsel to delight in the LORD came from decades of learning that true satisfaction is found in God alone, not in circumstances, possessions, or human approval. This wisdom literature served to instruct covenant community members in practical godliness, teaching them that relationship with Yahweh—not material prosperity or national power—constitutes genuine blessing. For exilic and post-exilic Jews, this message would prove crucial for maintaining faith when the promised land was lost and temple worship ceased.
Questions for Reflection
- How does delighting in the LORD practically differ from using religion as a means to get what we want?
- What specific desires in your heart might change if you genuinely delighted in God more than in any earthly thing?
- How does this verse challenge the modern prosperity gospel or the idea that following God guarantees material blessing?
- In what ways does delighting in God transform our desires rather than merely granting our existing wishes?
- How does Christ embody the ultimate fulfillment of this verse, both in His perfect delight in the Father and as the desire of all nations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. This verse presents a profound promise rooted in proper spiritual priority. The Hebrew word hitanag (הִתְעַנַּג, "delight") is a reflexive verb meaning to take exquisite pleasure, to luxuriate in something with soft, tender affection. It conveys more than casual enjoyment—it describes making God Himself the supreme source of joy and satisfaction.
The conditional structure is significant: delighting in the LORD precedes receiving heart's desires. This is not a prosperity gospel formula where God becomes a cosmic vending machine. Rather, when we genuinely delight in God, our desires are transformed to align with His will. The Hebrew mishалot (מִשְׁאֲלוֹת, "desires") refers to petitions or requests that arise from deep longing. As our affections are centered on God, what we long for increasingly reflects what He desires for us.
The promise "he shall give" uses the imperfect tense, indicating ongoing, continuous action. This is God's faithful character responding to hearts rightly oriented toward Him. The theological principle echoes throughout Scripture: seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, and other things will be added (Matthew 6:33). This verse refutes both legalism (trying to earn God's favor) and presumption (demanding God fulfill our unchanged desires). Instead, it offers the path of transformation through intimate relationship with God, wherein our wills are conformed to His perfect will.