Psalms 37:7

Authorized King James Version

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Word-by-Word Analysis

דּ֤וֹם׀

H1826

Rest

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

לַיהוָה֮

H3068

in the LORD

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

וְהִתְח֪וֹלֵ֫ל

H2342

and wait patiently

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

ל֥וֹ

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֭תְחַר

H2734

for him fret

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

בְּמַצְלִ֣יחַ

H6743

not thyself because of him who prospereth

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

דַּרְכּ֑וֹ

H1870

in his way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּ֝אִ֗ישׁ

H376

because of the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

עֹשֶׂ֥ה

H6213

to pass

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

#11

מְזִמּֽוֹת׃

H4209

wicked devices

a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)

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

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

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 does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?