Find life in the light of God.

Psalm 36 is another psalm written by David. It has elements of wisdom, describing the condition and outcome of the wicked; aspects of a hymn, declaring the greatness of God’s covenantal love; and elements of a lament, praying for the Lord to extend His love to His people while dealing with the wicked as they deserve.

vv. 1–4—The wicked are blinded by their self-image and fail to fear God.

—Verse one is translated in several different ways: “Transgression speaks,” “Sin whispers,” but it is more appropriately translated as “An oracle concerning the rebellion that is found deep in the heart of the wicked.” The word for “speaks” or “whispers” is a term for “oracle” or “declaration.” It is always connected with the prophets or a message from God. David has shared oracles before, and this is another one of his oracles—a divine message revealing the condition of the wicked—there is no dread of God in their eyes.

—Verse two is difficult to translate. The main idea is that the wicked are “smoothing out their self-image” like they would an idol. They are so busy looking at themselves that they fail to find their sin and hate it. Instead, he stands on a path that is not good (v.3) and does not reject what is evil (v.4).

vv. 5–9—Unlike the wicked, the LORD’s supernatural love shines bright.

—These verses move our line of sight from the infinite space down to the deep abyss: heavens, skies, mountain of God, and deep waters.

—There are echoes of creation in this section and the exodus, where God gave His law to His people.

—The supernatural love of God is unique and precious (v.7).

—”The river of your delights” is a play on words that brings us back to the Garden of Eden, where four streams resourced paradise: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and the Euphrates.

vv. 10–12—David is desperate for the supernatural love of God and desires that God would destroy the wicked.

“Continue your supernatural love” is a prayer for God to continue “to extend” His love to His people.

—Verse twelve, “There!” anticipates the future destruction of the wicked. The wicked will fall and not have the strength to rise.