Psalms 37:10
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say the wicked will disappear; it emphasizes the completeness of their absence. You'll look for their place, their former glory, and find absolutely nothing, a stark reminder that their supposed power and presence were temporary illusions. This isn't about mere punishment, but about utter erasure from the landscape of God's faithfulness.
The psalm is addressing the frustration of seeing wicked people prosper while the faithful suffer. The psalmist urges believers not to fret or become angry, but to trust God's timing and justice. This verse assures that this seemingly unfair situation is temporary, and the wicked's dominance will soon vanish.
Ever feel like the 'bad guys' are winning, and they'll be around forever? This verse offers a radical perspective shift.
The psalmist assures us that the apparent success of the wicked is temporary. "In just a little while, the wicked shall not be." This isn't about annihilation, but about their complete removal from their place of power and influence. Their reign is short-lived.
A Momentary Presence
Think of it like a fleeting shadow or a puff of smoke. They seem prominent now, but their existence in that state is brief. The phrase "shall not be" implies a cessation of their wicked activity and dominance. They won't be found where you expect them to be.
The Search That Finds Nothing
The second part of the verse, "though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there," emphasizes this point. You won't just stumble upon their absence; you'll actively search for evidence of their former power and find none. Their legacy, their stronghold, their very presence – gone.
It's so tempting to get frustrated when evil seems to pay off. How do we guard our hearts?
This verse, nestled within a larger psalm (Psalm 37), is a direct encouragement to patience and trust, especially when observing the 'prosperity' of the wicked.
The Temptation to Fret
Calvin highlights that the psalmist is speaking against the man "who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." It's a common human struggle to become agitated and resentful when those who do wrong seem to succeed. Our natural inclination is to be angry and impatient.
A Higher Perspective
The psalm's counsel is to "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself." This isn't about denying the reality of wickedness, but about refusing to let its temporary success disturb our inner peace. True faith understands that God's timeline and judgment are different from our own.
Understand the original words
rasha · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Individuals who are ethically or spiritually corrupt, characterized by their rejection of God's ways and their subsequent instability and coming judgment.
This psalm, likely reflecting on the Babylonian exile and the subsequent fall of Babylon to Persia, offers profound comfort. It assures God's people that even when the wicked seem to hold sway, their prosperity is fleeting, and divine justice will ultimately prevail, often with surprising speed.
c. 7th century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Empires Rise
During this period, the Assyrian Empire, and later the Neo-Babylonian Empire, dominated the Near East. Their military might and political influence often meant that powerful, wicked rulers seemed to prosper, a significant source of anxiety for the people of God.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled many Judeans. This devastating event intensified the Psalms' theme of the wicked seemingly prevailing over God's people.
c. 540 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great and Persia
Cyrus the Great began his conquests, uniting the Medes and Persians and setting the stage to overthrow the Babylonian Empire. This period of shifting empires and impending change would have been keenly observed by exiles.
539 BC— this verse
Babylon Falls to Persia
This verse provides a direct example of the principle in our target verse, showing a specific instance where a wicked person who was once powerful and widespread could not be found after diligent searching.
Job 7:10This passage echoes the sentiment of impermanence for the wicked, stating that they will not return, offering a somber reflection on the fate of those who do not know God.
Isaiah 29:20This prophecy speaks of the swift and complete downfall of the wicked oppressors, emphasizing that they will cease to exist, much like the temporary nature of a fleeting dream.
Matthew 13:40-43Jesus' parable of the weeds illustrates the future separation of the wicked from the righteous, where the wicked will be gathered and thrown into the fiery furnace, signifying their ultimate removal.
Revelation 18:21This prophetic passage describes the violent and final destruction of Babylon, a symbol of wicked systems, indicating that its presence and influence will be completely eradicated and no trace will remain.
calvinPsalms 37:7-11: "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."
- Be silent to Jehovah, and wait for him; fret not because of the man who prospereth in his way, against the man who commits wickedness. [23] 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself so as to do evil, 9. For the wicked shall be cut off; but those that wait upon Jehovah shall inherit the earth. 10. Yet…
clarkePsalms 37:10: "For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be."
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be - A prediction of the destruction of Babylon. This empire was now in its splendor; and the captives lived to see it totally overturned by Cyrus, so that even the shadow of its power did not remain. Thou shalt diligently consider his place - ואיננו veeynennu, and he is not. The ruler is killed; the city is ta…
The verse doesn't just say the wicked will disappear; it emphasizes the completeness of their absence. You'll look for their place, their former glory, and find absolutely nothing, a stark reminder that their supposed power and presence were temporary illusions. This isn't about mere punishment, but about utter erasure from the landscape of God's faithfulness.
The psalm is addressing the frustration of seeing wicked people prosper while the faithful suffer. The psalmist urges believers not to fret or become angry, but to trust God's timing and justice. This verse assures that this seemingly unfair situation is temporary, and the wicked's dominance will soon vanish.
The psalm is addressing the frustration of seeing wicked people prosper while the faithful suffer. The psalmist urges believers not to fret or become angry, but to trust God's timing and justice. This verse assures that this seemingly unfair situation is temporary, and the wicked's dominance will soon vanish.
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Waiting for Divine Action
The ultimate solution is not to imitate the wicked or to become consumed by anger, but to "wait upon the Lord." This waiting is active trust and patient endurance, knowing that God's justice will ultimately prevail and the wicked will be removed.
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon. This monumental event fulfilled prophecies and demonstrated the swift and decisive judgment of God upon a powerful, wicked empire, offering a tangible example of the psalm's message.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus Allows Return
Following Babylon's fall, Cyrus issued an edict permitting exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marked a new era of hope and restoration.
"In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there." — The verse doesn't just say the wicked will disappear; it emphasizes the completeness of their absence. You'll look for their place, their former glory, and find absolutely nothing, a stark reminder…
