Psalms 37:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 37:27
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Chapter Context
Psalms 37 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, discipleship, righteousness. 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 guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 37:27
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Analysis
Depart from evil, and do good (סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה־טוֹב, sur mera va'aseh-tov)—the two imperatives present both negative (turn away) and positive (actively pursue) morality. Sur (depart/turn aside) requires decisive break from wickedness; asah (do/make) demands constructive righteousness. Christianity is neither mere avoidance nor mere activism but both: "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and "let us do good unto all men" (Galatians 6:10). And dwell for evermore (וּשְׁכֹן לְעוֹלָם, ushkon le'olam)—shakan (dwell/abide) promises permanent residence, eternal security.
This verse structures covenant obedience: repentance (turning from evil) + sanctification (doing good) = eternal dwelling with God. The New Testament echoes this: "Let him eschew evil, and do good" (1 Peter 3:11). Permanent dwelling anticipates the New Jerusalem where "nothing that defileth" shall enter (Revelation 21:27).
Historical Context
The command recalls Israel's covenant choice: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19). Post-exilic Jews pondered this during Babylonian exile, when failing to depart from evil led to losing their dwelling place, making restoration contingent on covenant renewal.
Reflection
- What specific evils do you need to decisively turn away from, and what good must you actively pursue to replace them?
- How does eternal dwelling with God motivate present moral choices?
Cross-References
- Evil: Psalms 34:14, Proverbs 16:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:15
- Good: Hebrews 13:16, 13:21