What does Psalms 37:34 mean?

"Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." - Psalms 37:34

"Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." - Psalms 37:34

The book of Psalms, attributed to King David, is a collection of poetry and songs that express a range of human emotions and experiences, including praise, thanksgiving, lament, and petition. Psalm 37 is a psalm of wisdom that offers guidance for living a righteous life and trusting in God's providence. Verse 34 specifically says, "Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."

The verse begins with the instruction to "wait on the Lord," indicating the importance of patience and trust in God's timing and plans. In the context of the entire psalm, it is clear that waiting on the Lord involves placing one's hope and confidence in God's faithfulness and justice, rather than seeking retaliation or taking matters into one's own hands. This theme of patience and trust in God's timing is a common theme throughout the Bible, as exemplified in passages such as Isaiah 40:31 which says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

The verse goes on to say, "and keep his way," which emphasizes the importance of obedience and living in accordance with God's will. This echoes the sentiments expressed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Proverbs 3:6, which says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Trusting in God and obeying His commands are key aspects of the Christian life, and they are foundational to experiencing God's blessings and guidance.

The promise that follows in the verse is that God will exalt those who wait on Him and keep His way, granting them the inheritance of the land. This notion of receiving an inheritance is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, as the land of Canaan was the promised inheritance for the Israelites. The New Testament also speaks of an inheritance for believers, which is eternal life and the kingdom of God. This promise conveys the idea that those who are faithful and obedient to God will ultimately receive their reward and be exalted in His kingdom.

Finally, the verse concludes with the affirmation that when the wicked are cut off, the righteous will see it. This serves as a reminder that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and that the fate of the wicked is in His hands. The word "see" here signifies the idea of witnessing the fulfillment of God's promises and the defeat of evil. This is a source of comfort for the righteous, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate them and judge the unrighteousness.

In the broader context of the Bible, this verse aligns with the themes of patience, obedience, justice, and divine providence. Throughout the Old Testament, there is a recurring emphasis on the importance of waiting on the Lord, obeying His commands, and trusting in His righteousness. In the New Testament, these themes are further developed through the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke about the rewards for those who remain faithful and the consequences for the wicked.

Symbolically, the "land" mentioned in the verse can be seen as a representation of the promised inheritance and blessings that God bestows upon those who trust in Him. The idea of the wicked being cut off symbolizes the defeat of evil and the triumph of righteousness. This imagery reinforces the overarching message of the verse, which is that God is sovereign and just, and that the righteous can find security and hope in Him.

In conclusion, Psalm 37:34 from the King James Version offers profound wisdom and encouragement for believers to trust in the Lord, obey His commands, and wait for His justice. The verse highlights the themes of patience, obedience, justice, and divine providence, all of which are foundational to the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises and that the righteous will ultimately receive their reward in His kingdom.

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Psalms 37:34 Artwork

Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."

Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."

"Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." - Psalms 37:34

"Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." - Psalms 37:34

Psalms 104:34 KJVA
(34)  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

Psalms 37:37 - "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."

Psalms 37:37 - "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."

Psalms 37:7

Psalms 37:7

"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37

"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." - Psalms 37:17

"The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever." - Psalms 37:18

"The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever." - Psalms 37:18

Psalms 34:18

Psalms 34:18

Psalms 34:18

Psalms 34:18

"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34

"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37

"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." - Psalms 37:2

"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." - Psalms 37:2

Psalms 37:32 - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."

Psalms 37:32 - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."

"For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." - Psalms 37:22

"For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." - Psalms 37:22

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." - Psalms 37:23

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." - Psalms 37:23

Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"

Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"

"He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." - Psalms 34:20

"He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." - Psalms 34:20

Psalms 37:26 - "He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."

Psalms 37:26 - "He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."

Psalms 37:17 - "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."

Psalms 37:17 - "For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous."

Psalms 37:27 - "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore."

Psalms 37:27 - "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore."

Psalms 37:18 - "The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever."

Psalms 37:18 - "The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever."

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." - Psalms 34:18

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." - Psalms 34:18

Psalms 37:39 - "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."

Psalms 37:39 - "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."

Psalms 37:29 - "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."

Psalms 37:29 - "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."

"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." - Psalms 37:6

"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." - Psalms 37:6

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." - Psalms 34:8

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." - Psalms 34:8

Psalms 37:30 - "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."

Psalms 37:30 - "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."

Psalms 37:15 - "Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken."

Psalms 37:15 - "Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken."