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 grace, holiness, judgment. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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