Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 36 – 6-6-20
What is the difference between sin and transgression? Many of us sin by ignorance of the law, or unthinkingly acting or saying something that is hurtful or harmful. But transgression in Hebrew signifies willful deviation from, and therefore rebellion against, the path of godly living.(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
David starts off this oracle by using the word “pesha’”, revolt, rebellion or transgression to describe the heart of the wicked. Verses 1-4 tell us of what the wicked heart looks and acts like. Here is the list, it starts with no fear of God, conceited self flattery concerning their wickedness, crooked or deceitful speech, lacking the wisdom to do good, dreams plans of evil, and walks the path unwilling to turn from evil.
Like most of the Psalms, there is the contrast of the goodness of the Lord towards the upright in heart in verses 5-10. It starts where we all need to start with the vast loving-kindness of the Lord. Psalms 36:5-6, 5 Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness {reaches} to the skies. 6 Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are {like} a great deep. O LORD, Thou preservest man and beast.(NAS) Immediately in my mind comes the words from the great hymn, “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, vast unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me”. David bursts into worship as precious loving-kindness of the Lord that provides refuge and strength “in the shadow of His wings”. The abundance of the Living water is refreshing and filled with His delight. The Fountain of life and light of the Lord is what we want to live and see.
This section ends with a prayer : Psalms 36:10 O continue Thy lovingkindness to those who know Thee, and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.(NAS) This prayer includes the request that I not let pride and wickedness drive me away from the lovingkindness and righteousness of the Lord.
Father, when I see the wicked rebellion of the world I live in, I am driven to nestle in Your lovingkindness towards me. I recognize that I still have a sinful nature that draws me to willful rebellion against You. I desperately want to be refreshed by the Living Water of Your Spirit and walk in Your Life and Light. O Lord, continue Your lovingkindness and righteousness to me. May I be upright before You in mind, heart, and action. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob