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Psalms Chapter 36 (JPS)

minutes - words.
Psalm 36 - In Thy Light Shall We See Light
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1 For the Leader. A Psalm of David the servant of HaShem.

2 Transgression speaketh to the wicked, methinks-- there is no fear of G-d before his eyes.

3 For it flattereth him in his eyes, until his iniquity be found, and he be hated.

4 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit; he hath left off to be wise, to do good.

5 He deviseth iniquity upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

6 Thy lovingkindness, O HaShem, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.

7 Thy righteousness is like the mighty mountains; Thy judgments are like the great deep; man and beast Thou preservest, O HaShem.

8 How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O G-d! and the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.

9 They are abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou makest them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.

10 For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light do we see light.

11 O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

12 Let not the foot of pride overtake me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

13 There are the workers of iniquity fallen; they are thrust down, and are not able to rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Psalm 36 contrast?
Psalm 36 contrasts the wickedness of those with 'no fear of God before his eyes' (v.1) with the vastness of God's mercy and faithfulness, which 'reacheth unto the clouds' (v.5), before asking God to protect from the proud and wicked (vv.11-12).
What does verse 9 mean by 'in thy light shall we see light'?
It calls God the source of both life and understanding -- 'For with thee is the fountain of life' -- language later echoed in Jesus's claim to be 'the light of the world' in John 8:12.
How does the psalm describe the wicked person's mindset?
Verse 2 says he 'flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful,' describing self-deception rather than open defiance.

Today's Verse

The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts.

Psalms 119:69 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

The psalm's high point declares that "with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light," language picked up in John 8:12. It closes asking that the proud not overtake him; continue to Psalms 37.