Psalm 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power (terrible, fierce, violent), and spreading himself like a green bay tree (a tree in its native soil, vigorous, and luxuriant, that had never been transplanted). A striking figure of the ungodly man of the world, firmly rooted in earthly things -- his native soil, grown proud and wanton in his prosperity, without fear or apprehension of any reverse. William Wilson.

Verse 35. Like a green bay tree, which produces all leaves and no fruit. Matthew Henry.

Verse 35. I have seen the wicked, saith David, in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. And why like a green bay tree? Because in the winter, when all other trees -- as the vine tree, fig tree, apple tree, etc., which are more profitable trees -- are withered and naked, yet the bay tree continueth as green in the winter as the summer. So fares it with wicked men when the children of God, in the storms of persecutions, and afflictions, and miseries, seem withered, and, as it were, dead, yet the wicked all that time flourish, and do appear green in the eyes of the world: they wallow in worldly wealth, but it is for their destruction; they wax fat, but it is for the day of slaughter. It was the case of Hophni and Phinehas: the Lord gave them enough and suffered them to go on and prosper in their wickedness; but what was the reason? Because he would destroy them. J. Gore's Sermon at St. Paul's, 1633.

Verse 35-36. --

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 35-37. Three memorable scenes.