Psalm 37:34

EXPOSITION

Verse 34. Wait on the Lord. We have here the eighth precept, and it is a lofty eminence to attain to. Tarry the Lord's leisure. Wait in obedience as a servant, in hope as an heir, in expectation as a believer. This little word "wait" is easy to say, but hard to carry out, yet faith must do it. And keep his way. Continue in the narrow path; let no haste for riches or ease cause unholy action. Let your motto be, "On, on, on." Never flag, or dream of turning aside. "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." And he shall exalt thee to inherit the land. Thou shalt have all of earthly good which is really good, and of heavenly good there shall be no stint. Exaltation shall be the lot of the excellent. When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. A sight how terrible and how instructive! What a rebuke for fretfulness! what an incentive to gratitude! My soul, be still, as you foresee the end, the awful end of the Lord's enemies.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 34. Wait on the Lord, etc. He that truly trusts in God will stay God's time, and use God's means, and walk in God's way, though it seem round about; they will not neglect their souls for haste; they know this would be to make more haste than good speed. Nor would they step out of the way, the way that is holy and righteous, though they may escape a loss, an affliction by it, though they might gain some desirable advantage by it. True faith goes leaning upon God, and therefore will keep his way. He that will not be liberal for the promoting and honouring of the gospel; he that fears poverty or affliction more than he fears sin; he that is more careful for the things of the world than for his soul; he that takes indirect or suspected courses, to get, or increase, or secure his estate; he that is not jealous or watchful, lest his cares for the world (when he is much engaged therein) should be immoderate -- it is plain he doth not trust God with his estate; and that he does not trust God for his estate, whatever he thinks or pretend, he does not trust God for his soul, for his salvation; his hopes of heaven and salvation are but presumption. David Clarkson.

Verse 34. Wait on the Lord. Bind him not to a day, wake not the Beloved till he please. John Trapp.

Verse 34. Wait ... keep. While we are waiting let us take heed of wavering. Go not a step out of God's way, though a lion be in the way; avoid not duty to meet with safety; keep God's highway, the good old way Jeremiah 6:16 , the way which is paved with holiness. "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness." Isaiah 35:8 . Avoid crooked paths, take heed of turning to the left hand, lest you be set on the left hand. Sin doth cross our hopes, it barricades up our way; a man may as well expect to find heaven in hell, as in a sinful way. Thomas Watson.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 34.

1. A twofold admonition:
2. Wait on the Lord.
3. And keep his way; wait and work, wait and walk, get grace and exercise it.
4. A twofold promise:
   1. He shall exalt thee to inherit the land; God is the source of all elevation and honour.
   2. When the wicked are cur off, thou shalt see it; and they will be cut off. William Jay.

Verse 34. Patient faith, persevering holiness, and promised exaltation.

Verse 34. (last clause). Emotions caused in the godly by a sight of the sinner's doom.

Verse 34. (last clause). The wicked are often cut off

1. Even in life, from their places, and riches, and prospects.
2. At death they are cut off from all their possessions and comforts.
3. In the last day they will be cut off from "the resurrection of life." William Jay.