The Steadfast Love of the Lord: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 36

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 36, a profound hymn attributed to David, explores the contrasting realities of human wickedness and God’s boundless love. This psalm, a cornerstone of our Coptic Orthodox faith, unveils the insidious nature of sin, which blinds the wicked and leads them down a path of destruction. However, even amidst such darkness, the psalm resounds with the glorious proclamation of God’s steadfast love, His righteousness, and His protective care. We are reminded that God’s mercy extends to all creation, and that those who trust in Him find refuge and everlasting life. The psalm culminates in a prayer for continued grace and protection from the snares of the ungodly, urging us to seek refuge in the Lord’s lovingkindness and to strive for righteousness in our own lives. This commentary will delve deeply into each verse, unpacking its theological significance within the broader context of Coptic Orthodox tradition and scripture, with a relative link to website builder services.

This Psalm is a powerful declaration of the Lord’s nature, especially His love (Hesed). It contrasts the wickedness of humanity with the unwavering goodness of God. It’s a song of hope and a call to trust in the divine. We will explore this contrast, and how it applies to us today.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary 📖

Psalm 36:1 (KJV)

“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.”

Psalm 36:1 (NKJV) “An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.”

The psalm opens with a piercing observation of the wicked’s state. The psalmist, discerning the thoughts of the wicked, notes the absence of the fear of God. This isn’t simply about lacking respect; it signifies a complete disregard for God’s law and presence. The internal voice of transgression, “saith within my heart,” reflects the psalmist’s keen spiritual insight into the source of wickedness: a heart devoid of divine reverence. This “fear of God” is not terror, but a filial awe and love that guides our actions. St. Athanasius writes, “Φόβος Κυρίου ἀρχὴ σοφίας” (Phobos Kyriou archē sophias) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Athanasius, *Adversus Gentes*, 33). Without this foundational fear, wisdom is impossible. How often do we, in our modern lives, prioritize worldly desires over God’s commandments, effectively sidelining the fear of God from our daily choices?

Spiritual Application: Examine your own life. What thoughts and actions reveal whether you truly fear God? Cultivate a reverent heart through prayer, scripture reading, and participation in the sacraments.

Psalm 36:2 (KJV)

“For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.”

Psalm 36:2 (NKJV) “For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and hates it.”

Here, the psalm highlights the self-deception that often accompanies wickedness. The wicked person “flattereth himself in his own eyes.” This is a dangerous form of pride, where one rationalizes and minimizes their sins. The truth of their “iniquity” only becomes apparent when it is found to be “hateful.” This suggests a moment of reckoning, perhaps a crisis, where the consequences of their actions become undeniable. It’s a powerful reminder that sin, though initially alluring, ultimately leads to destruction and self-loathing. We see this echoed in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), who only recognizes the ugliness of his sin when he finds himself in abject poverty and despair. Just as the Prodigal Son’s sin became hateful to him, so too must we recognize and confess our own transgressions. Are we actively seeking truth, or are we prone to self-flattery and rationalizing our shortcomings?

Spiritual Application: Resist the temptation to excuse your sins. Seek honest self-assessment, guided by the Holy Spirit, and confess your faults to God and, where necessary, to a spiritual father. This is the path to true repentance and healing.

Psalm 36:3 (KJV)

“The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.”

Psalm 36:3 (NKJV) “The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased being wise and doing good.”

This verse exposes the outward manifestation of the wicked’s inner state. Their “words…are iniquity and deceit.” The Psalmist speaks of a departure from wisdom and goodness – “he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.” This underscores that wickedness isn’t just about isolated actions; it’s a consistent pattern of thought, speech, and behavior that contradicts God’s will. This is not merely a lack of wisdom but a deliberate rejection of it, a conscious choice to walk in darkness. The consequences are far-reaching, poisoning their relationships and corrupting society as a whole. The Coptic Church emphasizes the importance of taming the tongue, recognizing its power to both build up and tear down. St. Macarius the Great reminds us that, “A word spoken is like a seed sown, and it will bear fruit” (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, 25). What kind of fruit are our words producing? Are they seeds of life or seeds of destruction?

Spiritual Application: Pay close attention to your words. Are they truthful, kind, and edifying? Or are they tainted with deceit, malice, or negativity? Strive to use your words to build up others and to glorify God.

Psalm 36:4 (KJV)

“He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.”

Psalm 36:4 (NKJV) “He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil.”

Here the psalm delves deeper into the internal life of the wicked, revealing the deliberate planning of evil. “He deviseth mischief upon his bed” implies a conscious and premeditated commitment to wickedness. Even in the stillness of night, when most seek rest and reflection, the wicked mind is busy plotting evil. Furthermore, “he setteth himself in a way that is not good.” This emphasizes the active choice to embrace a path of wickedness, rejecting the way of righteousness. And crucially, “he abhorreth not evil.” There is no internal revulsion, no moral compass guiding them away from sin. This lack of abhorrence is particularly concerning. To not hate evil is to be drawn toward it, to eventually embrace it. This passage reminds us of the constant spiritual battle we face. The Evil One never rests in his attempts to lead us astray. We must be vigilant and actively resist his temptations.

Spiritual Application: Be mindful of your thoughts, especially before sleep. Guard your heart against evil intentions and actively cultivate a love for righteousness. Pray for discernment to recognize and reject all forms of wickedness.

Psalm 36:5 (KJV)

“Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”

Psalm 36:5 (NKJV) “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”

The psalm abruptly shifts from the darkness of human wickedness to the glorious light of God’s attributes. “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens.” This is not a limited, earthly mercy, but a mercy that transcends all boundaries. “And thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.” God’s faithfulness is not merely present, but pervasive, soaring to the heights of the heavens. This stark contrast between human depravity and divine perfection is at the heart of the psalm. The immensity of God’s mercy is often contrasted with the smallness of our own failings. The higher we ascend to the heavens, the further God’s mercy will be. The Coptic Church understands God’s mercy as an act of pure grace, undeserved and freely given. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐ μετρεῖται” (Hē gar agapē tou Theou ou metreitai) – “For the love of God is immeasurable” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, 10.2). Knowing that God’s love is immeasurable, how can we ever despair or lose hope?

Spiritual Application: When you feel overwhelmed by your sins and shortcomings, remember the immeasurable mercy and faithfulness of God. Turn to Him in prayer, trusting in His forgiveness and unwavering love.

Psalm 36:6 (KJV)

“Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.”

Psalm 36:6 (NKJV) “Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.”

God’s righteousness is compared to “the great mountains,” solid, unwavering, and majestic. His judgements are “a great deep,” mysterious and profound. We may not always understand God’s ways, but we can trust that they are always just and righteous. Furthermore, God’s providential care extends to all creation, preserving “man and beast.” This emphasizes the universality of God’s concern and His commitment to sustaining life. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that God’s righteousness is both justice and love perfectly intertwined. He is a God of perfect justice who punishes sin, but also a God of boundless love who offers forgiveness and redemption. The image of “the great mountains” reminds us of the steadfastness of God’s promises, just as how dohost.us offers a steadfast platform for your needs.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s righteousness, even when you don’t understand His ways. Remember that He is ultimately just and loving, and that He cares for all of creation.

Psalm 36:7 (KJV)

“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”

Psalm 36:7 (NKJV) “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.”

This verse exclaims about the excellence of God’s lovingkindness. It is so precious that mankind finds refuge in the shadow of His wings. This phrase evokes the image of a mother bird protecting her young, sheltering them from harm. This imagery emphasizes the security and comfort found in God’s presence. The Coptic Orthodox Church views God’s lovingkindness as the foundation of our salvation. It is through His grace that we are redeemed and brought into fellowship with Him. The phrase “shadow of thy wings” calls to mind the protective love and nurturing care of the Holy Trinity. It’s a place of safety, comfort, and intimate communion with God. This safety is often found in the church as we worship together in communion and fellowship.

Spiritual Application: Seek refuge in God’s lovingkindness. Whenever you face trials or temptations, remember that He is your protector and your refuge. Draw near to Him in prayer and trust in His unwavering love.

Psalm 36:8 (KJV)

“They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”

Psalm 36:8 (NKJV) “They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.”

Here, the psalm describes the abundance and joy found in God’s presence. Those who trust in Him “shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house.” This speaks of spiritual nourishment, a fullness of life that can only be found in communion with God. God makes “them drink of the river of thy pleasures.” This evokes an image of overflowing joy and delight. The Coptic Orthodox Church understands this “fatness” and “river of pleasures” as the blessings of the Holy Spirit, who fills us with grace, truth, and joy. This is not a mere earthly satisfaction, but a spiritual fulfillment that transcends all worldly pleasures. It speaks to the transformative power of encountering the divine, of being filled with the life-giving waters of God’s grace. The sacraments, especially Holy Communion, are tangible expressions of this abundant life. This abundance flows forth from God in great measure so that all who approach Him will have no thirst or desire left unquenched.

Spiritual Application: Seek spiritual nourishment in God’s house. Participate in the sacraments, engage in prayer and scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His grace and joy.

Psalm 36:9 (KJV)

“For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”

Psalm 36:9 (NKJV) “For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”

This verse is a profound declaration of God’s role as the source of all life. “For with thee is the fountain of life.” God is not merely a life-giver, but the very source of life itself. “In thy light shall we see light.” We cannot understand truth or see reality clearly without God’s illumination. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that all life originates from God, and that true life is found only in union with Him. This “fountain of life” is often understood as a reference to the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. This light is also not a physical light but the light of understanding and wisdom that comes from God alone. St. Gregory of Nazianzus writes, “Θεὸς φῶς, καὶ φωτίζει πάντα ἄνθρωπον ἐρχόμενον εἰς τὸν κόσμον” (Theos phos, kai phōtizei panta anthrōpon erchomenon eis ton kosmon) – “God is light, and He enlightens every man who comes into the world” (Gregory of Nazianzus, *Oration* 38.8).

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge God as the source of all life and seek His light to illuminate your path. Turn away from the darkness of sin and embrace the light of truth and righteousness.

Psalm 36:10 (KJV)

“O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”

Psalm 36:10 (NKJV) “Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.”

The psalmist now prays for a continuation of God’s lovingkindness and righteousness. “O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee.” This is not a plea for initial grace, but for sustained favor. The psalm also continues into righteousness for the upright in heart. It’s a prayer for perseverance, for the continued blessing of God’s presence in their lives. The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that salvation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of growth in grace. We must constantly strive to know God more deeply and to live in accordance with His righteousness. “Knowing God” is not just intellectual assent, but an intimate relationship characterized by love, obedience, and trust. This is a lifelong pursuit, a journey of continuous learning and growth. We must pray to Him to continue to guide us and grant us His mercy to continue to be obedient to His will.

Spiritual Application: Pray for a deeper knowledge of God and a continued experience of His lovingkindness. Strive to live uprightly, seeking His righteousness in all that you do.

Psalm 36:11 (KJV)

“Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.”

Psalm 36:11 (NKJV) “Let not the foot of pride come against me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.”

This verse is a prayer for protection from pride and the attacks of the wicked. “Let not the foot of pride come against me” is a plea against arrogance that leads to downfall. “Let not the hand of the wicked remove me” seeks protection from those who seek to harm or mislead. The Coptic Orthodox Church recognizes the dangers of pride, which is considered the root of all sin. We must constantly guard against the temptation to exalt ourselves above others or to rely on our own strength rather than God’s grace. The verse recognizes the evil and influence of the wicked in the world. We are surrounded by many temptations and evil that can distract us from God and lead us astray. To not be driven away we must guard our hearts and always seek the Lord so that we will not be tempted.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate humility and resist the temptation to pride. Pray for protection from the schemes of the wicked and rely on God’s strength to overcome all obstacles.

Psalm 36:12 (KJV)

“There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.”

Psalm 36:12 (NKJV) “There the workers of iniquity have fallen; They are cast down and not able to rise.”

The psalm concludes with a triumphant declaration of the ultimate fate of the wicked. “There are the workers of iniquity fallen.” Their fall is not merely temporary, but decisive and permanent. “They are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.” This is a reminder that wickedness ultimately leads to destruction. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that the wicked will face God’s judgement. This is not a vindictive punishment, but a just consequence of their choices. The verse speaks of the finality of their defeat, a resounding affirmation of God’s ultimate victory over evil. While the path of wickedness may seem appealing in the short term, it ultimately leads to ruin and despair. The righteous, on the other hand, will inherit eternal life. This serves as a warning for all of us so that we will be with the Lord and not partake in the doom of the wicked.

Spiritual Application: Take heart in the knowledge that God will ultimately triumph over evil. Remain steadfast in your faith and trust in His promises, knowing that He will reward those who persevere to the end.

💡Key Reflections and Teachings💡

Psalm 36 provides several key reflections and teachings applicable to our spiritual lives today:

• The Contrast of Wickedness and God’s Love: The psalm vividly contrasts the depravity of human sin with the boundless love and faithfulness of God. This contrast encourages us to recognize our own sinfulness and to seek refuge in God’s mercy. ✨
• The Importance of the Fear of God: The psalm highlights the absence of the fear of God as a root cause of wickedness. This reminds us to cultivate a reverent heart, guided by love and respect for God’s commandments. 🕊️
• The Power of Self-Deception: The psalm warns against the dangers of self-flattery and rationalizing our sins. We must be honest with ourselves and seek truthful self-assessment, guided by the Holy Spirit. 📖
• The Abundance of God’s Grace: The psalm describes the abundance of joy and spiritual nourishment found in God’s presence. This encourages us to seek spiritual fulfillment in communion with God through prayer, sacraments, and fellowship.💡
• The Fountain of Life in God: The psalm proclaims God as the source of all life and light. This reminds us to turn away from the darkness of sin and to embrace the light of truth and righteousness, found only in Him. 📜
• The Ultimate Triumph of God: The psalm concludes with a triumphant declaration of God’s victory over evil. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in His promises and knowing that He will reward those who persevere to the end. ✨

❓FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 36, answered from a Coptic Orthodox perspective:

• Q: What does it mean to “fear God” in Psalm 36?
• A: In Coptic Orthodox understanding, “fearing God” is not simply about being afraid of punishment. It’s a profound reverence, awe, and love for God that motivates us to obey His commandments and live a life pleasing to Him. It’s a filial fear, like the respect and love a child has for a good parent.
• Q: How does Psalm 36 relate to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of sin?
• A: Psalm 36 paints a stark picture of sin as a blinding force that leads to self-deception, wickedness, and ultimately, destruction. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of sin as a deviation from God’s will, a separation from His grace, and a corruption of our human nature.
• Q: What is the significance of “the shadow of thy wings” in Psalm 36?
• A: “The shadow of thy wings” is a powerful image of God’s protective and nurturing love. It speaks of the security, comfort, and intimate communion found in His presence. It echoes the protective care of a mother bird sheltering her young. In times of trouble, we can find solace and refuge under God’s “wings.”
• Q: How can I apply the teachings of Psalm 36 to my daily life?
• A: You can apply Psalm 36 by cultivating a deep reverence for God, being honest about your sins, seeking God’s grace, and relying on His strength to overcome evil. Strive to live a life of righteousness, truth, and love, knowing that God is the source of all goodness. By doing so, you can find true fulfillment in Christ.

Conclusion

Psalm 36 is a powerful reminder of the contrasting realities of human wickedness and the boundless love of God. This psalm, a treasured text within our Coptic Orthodox tradition, invites us to reflect on our own lives, acknowledging our sins and seeking refuge in the Lord’s unfailing mercy. It emphasizes the importance of the fear of God, which is not mere terror, but a profound reverence and love that guides our actions. The psalm also warns against the dangers of self-deception, urging us to pursue honest self-assessment and to confess our faults. Ultimately, Psalm 36 proclaims the triumph of God over evil, reminding us that He is the fountain of life and that in His light we see light. Let us strive to live lives of righteousness and faithfulness, trusting in God’s unwavering love and seeking His continued grace. This psalm offers solace, hope, and guidance for all who seek to draw nearer to the Lord, and it is through Him alone that we can find true and lasting peace, a cornerstone like any robust hosting provider.

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Psalm 36, Steadfast Love, Coptic Orthodox, Righteousness, Wickedness, Fear of God, Mercy, Grace, Faithfulness, Salvation

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Explore Psalm 36 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover God’s boundless steadfast love, contrast with wickedness, and find spiritual application for modern life.