Psalms 37:35

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.

Psalms 37:35 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power
Meaning some particular person invested with great power, in great authority among men, one of the spiritual wickednesses in high places; such a man as Haman in Ahasuerus's court; and though the psalmist does not choose to mention his name, he doubtless had him in his mind; as either Saul, or Doeg the Edomite, or Ahithophel, or some such man, who was in an exalted station of life; and it may be when he himself was in low and distressed circumstances: the word used F3 signifies one formidable and terrible, striking terror to all around; of whom others are afraid, as Aben Ezra interprets it, ( Isaiah 29:20 ) ( 49:25 ) ;

and spreading himself like a green bay tree:
or like one that grows up out of the earth of itself, and is in its native soil, and very flourishing: and the metaphor denotes an increase of riches and honour, and a seemingly settled state in the enjoyment of such outward felicity; so Jarchi interprets it (vyrvm) , "taking root"; as well as such a man's glorying in and boasting of his affluence and fulness; see ( Psalms 73:12 ) ( Jeremiah 12:1 Jeremiah 12:2 ) ( Psalms 49:6 ) . Aben Ezra explains it of a wicked man's openly committing iniquity, declaring his sin as Sodom, and glorying in his shame; but rather it denotes a man in great authority and esteem, as a man crowned with laurels, and in a very exalted and triumphant state.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Uyde) "terrificam", Montanus, Vatablus; "terribilem ant formidabilem", Gejerus, Michaelis; "daunting, terrible", Ainsworth.

Psalms 37:35 In-Context

33 Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way, And he will exalt thee to inherit the land: When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
36 But one passed by, and, lo, he was not: Yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; For there is a [happy] end to the man of peace.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.