Psalms 37:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 37:22
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Chapter Context
Psalms 37 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, redemption, creation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 37:22
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Analysis
Such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (מְבֹרָכָיו יִירְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ, mevorakhav yirshu-arets)—the mevorakhim (blessed ones) receive the land promise given to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, 17:8). Jesus radicalized this in the Beatitudes: "the meek shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). They that be cursed of him shall be cut off (מְקֻלָּלָיו יִכָּרֵתוּ, meqolalav yikaretu)—karet, being "cut off," meant covenant exclusion, divine judgment removing one from God's people and promises.
This verse reveals election theology: inheritance flows from divine blessing, not human merit. The land promise extends beyond Canaan to the renewed creation (Romans 4:13, Revelation 21:1-4). Those cursed are self-excluded through covenant rebellion, not arbitrary divine rejection.
Historical Context
The 'earth' (erets) had layered meaning: the Promised Land of Canaan for Israel, and eschatologically, the renewed world. Post-exilic Jews meditated on this promise during Babylonian captivity when the land seemed lost, clinging to God's unchanging blessing despite judgment.
Reflection
- How does understanding inheritance as divine gift rather than earned reward change your approach to spiritual life?
- What does it mean today to 'inherit the earth' as one of God's blessed people?
Cross-References
- Blessing: Proverbs 3:33
- Curse: Galatians 3:13
- Parallel theme: Psalms 37:9, 1 Corinthians 16:22