Ordered by the LORD
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37.23
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37.23
Psalm 37 is a psalm of comparisons and contrasts. The main theme of the passage lets the believer know that he need not fret or stew over the way things appear to be. While it may seem that the evil doer is prospering, we see only a snippet of eternal reality. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (Psalm 37.3)
Without going deeply into the text, it is readily apparent that the “good man” does not stand upon his own efforts, but has “steps” which are “ordered” by the Lord. Of course, we understand the “steps” to mean the good man’s life – specifically his manner of living.
The term “good man” is especially interesting as we consider it along with other Scriptures which speak of the depravity of humanity. The Psalmist enjoins us saying: “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Psalm 14.3; See also Psalm 53.3) Paul adds to this exhortation: “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3.12)
In our text verse, the Psalmist uses a somewhat rare word which translates “good man.” When God created man, He used the term “adam” indicating humanity in general. (Genesis 1.27) When God made the first woman from the side of the man, Adam (now used as a proper name) sees his wife for the first time and calls her “’ishshâh” identifying her as “female” and taking for himself the designation of “’ı̂ysh.” In the original Creation when God created the first pair, He gave to them identifying names that would indicate a distinction between male and female – husband and wife.
“Good man” in Psalm 37.23; however, translates the Hebrew word “geber” indicating a strong man, a warrior (emphasizing strength or ability to fight). “It is used of man but often contains more than just a reference to gender by referring to the nature of a man, usually with overtones of spiritual strength or masculinity.” (Zodhiates) The implication is someone who not only fights, but wins.
Compared to the alternative, the evildoers, the good man finds his strength in his ordained path of life – the life which is ordered by the Lord. As this good man continually walks in the ways of his Savior, he gains more than momentum – he gains favor with God and strength for the fight. As he continues winning in the power of God, he delights in his way because victory is assured.
Without going deeply into the text, it is readily apparent that the “good man” does not stand upon his own efforts, but has “steps” which are “ordered” by the Lord. Of course, we understand the “steps” to mean the good man’s life – specifically his manner of living.
The term “good man” is especially interesting as we consider it along with other Scriptures which speak of the depravity of humanity. The Psalmist enjoins us saying: “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Psalm 14.3; See also Psalm 53.3) Paul adds to this exhortation: “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3.12)
In our text verse, the Psalmist uses a somewhat rare word which translates “good man.” When God created man, He used the term “adam” indicating humanity in general. (Genesis 1.27) When God made the first woman from the side of the man, Adam (now used as a proper name) sees his wife for the first time and calls her “’ishshâh” identifying her as “female” and taking for himself the designation of “’ı̂ysh.” In the original Creation when God created the first pair, He gave to them identifying names that would indicate a distinction between male and female – husband and wife.
“Good man” in Psalm 37.23; however, translates the Hebrew word “geber” indicating a strong man, a warrior (emphasizing strength or ability to fight). “It is used of man but often contains more than just a reference to gender by referring to the nature of a man, usually with overtones of spiritual strength or masculinity.” (Zodhiates) The implication is someone who not only fights, but wins.
Compared to the alternative, the evildoers, the good man finds his strength in his ordained path of life – the life which is ordered by the Lord. As this good man continually walks in the ways of his Savior, he gains more than momentum – he gains favor with God and strength for the fight. As he continues winning in the power of God, he delights in his way because victory is assured.
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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