Psalm 37:17

EXPOSITION

Verse 17. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken. Their power to do mischief shall be effectually taken away, for the arms which they lifted up against God shall be crushed even to the bone. God often makes implacable men incapable men. What is a more contemptible sight than toothless malice, armless malevolence! But the Lord upholdeth the righteous. Their cause and course shall be safe, for they are in good keeping. The sword of two edges smites the wicked and defends the just.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 16-17. See Psalms on "Psalms 37:17" for further information.

Verse 17. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but he upholdeth (or underprops) the righteous. By the arms of the wicked, you are to understand their strength, their valour, their power, their wit, their wealth, their abundance, which is all the arms they have to support and bear up themselves in the world with. Now, these arms shall be broken, and when they are broken, then, even then, will God uphold the righteous, that is, God will be a continual overflowing fountain of good to his righteous ones; so that they shall never want, though all the springs of the wicked are dried up round about them. Thomas Brooks.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 17. (last clause).

1. The favoured persons.
2. Their evident need, "upholding."
3. Their singular blessedness, "upheld," above trial, under trial, after trial.
4. Their august Patron.