The theme of this psalm is certainly the loving-kindness of God
David first describes the rebellious sinner (verses 1-4), then the blessedness of the righteous man (verses 5-9) and concludes with a prayer that the righteous man may be protected from the wicked (verses 10-12).
Verses 1-12:
At least 3 themes may be detected in this psalm:
(1)Wisdom (verses 1-4);
(2) Praise (verses 5-9); and
(3) Prayer (verses 10-12).
Paul used (Psalm 36:1), to summarize his list of 14 indictments against the whole race in (Romans 3:10-18).
As to its overall structure, David’s two different moods in Psalm 36 exemplify his continuing quest for balance concerning the realities of human wickedness and divine benevolence.
I. Mood of Deliberation (36:1-9).
A. His Deliberations on Human Infidelity (36:1-4);
B. His Deliberations on Divine Fidelity (36:5-9).
II. Mood of Dependence (36:10-12).
A. Implemented through Prayer (36:10-11);
B. Intimated through Perspective (36:12).
Psalm 36:1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes.
Psalm 36:2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
Until his iniquity be found to be hateful; that is, until he finds by experience that it is a more dreadful thing to sin against God, and break his holy commands, than he imagined.
Psalm 36:3 The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good.
Not only sinful, but sin itself. Of corrupt communication, lying, deceit, and flattery.
Psalm 36:4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.
He deviseth mischief upon his bed":
Rather, he deviseth iniquity, the same word as in the preceding verse.
Psalm 36:5 Thy mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] Thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.
Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, Thou [art] my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful [things; Thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.
Psalm 36:7 How excellent [is] Thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.
Psalm 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.
Psalm 36:9 For with Thee [is] the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
THE life of Christ is the light of the world. So when the Psalmist says, 9...in Your light shall we see light,–it is equivalent to saying that in the life of Christ we shall see light. How many people are groping in darkness for light. Professed Christians stumble over hard things in the Bible, because they do not use the light that would make everything plain."
.BooksOfTheBible/Jonathon Edwards/E.J. Waggoner
