Psalms 37:20
But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The striking image here isn't just that the wicked vanish, but that their fleeting existence is compared to the "glory of the pastures." This means their prosperity is like the vibrant, beautiful grass that quickly dries up and disappears, especially when contrasted with the enduring provision God offers. They're like a stunning but temporary bloom, quickly consumed by the heat, emphasizing the emptiness of their earthly success.
This psalm is a contrast between the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the enduring inheritance of the righteous. The psalmist has just described how God provides for the faithful, even in times of scarcity. Now, he pivots to show the swift and complete downfall of those who oppose God. The imagery here emphasizes their ephemeral nature, vanishing like smoke, utterly gone and leaving no lasting impact.
The wicked seem so vibrant, so full of life, like a lush meadow. But what does the Psalmist say about their true nature?
The verse presents a powerful contrast between the apparent prosperity of the wicked and their ultimate fate. While they might appear glorious, like the "glory of the pastures," this image speaks of something beautiful but temporary.
Transient Beauty
The "glory of the pastures" refers to the vibrant, green grass and wildflowers that bloom with abundance, especially after rain. This imagery evokes a sense of flourishing and beauty. However, this same pasture can quickly wither and disappear under the harsh sun or during drought.
A Divine Perspective
This isn't just about nature's cycles; it's a divine perspective on human affairs. God sees the ultimate end of the wicked, no matter how impressive their current status or achievements may seem. Their "glory" is like that of a flower that blooms brightly today but is gone tomorrow.
The verse culminates with a stark image of disappearance. What does 'vanishing like smoke' truly convey about the wicked's end?
The final image of the wicked vanishing 'like smoke' is incredibly potent, conveying utter and complete annihilation.
Utter Dissolution
Smoke is ephemeral. It rises, it swirls, and then it dissipates, leaving no trace. It has no substance, no permanence. When the Psalmist says the wicked vanish 'like smoke,' he means their existence, their power, their legacy will completely dissolve.
Divine Judgment's Certainty
This isn't just a poetic description; it's a theological declaration. It speaks to the certainty of God's judgment. The wicked, who are also called 'enemies of the Lord,' will not merely fade away; they will be utterly consumed, leaving nothing behind. This emphasizes that their opposition to God carries ultimate, destructive consequences.
Beyond Mere Death
Understand the original words
abad · Hebrew Verb
Refers to complete destruction, death, or being brought to nothing. It denotes the finality of God's judgment upon those who persist in rebellion against Him.
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
Those who actively oppose God and His people. This term characterizes the wicked as being in a state of open conflict with the Creator.
This passage uses the same imagery of the fleeting glory of nature, comparing it to grass and flowers that quickly wither and fade, mirroring the swift disappearance of the wicked described in Psalms 37:20.
Hosea 13:3Similar to Psalms 37:20, this verse describes people vanishing 'like the chaff that is blown away by the wind from the threshing floor' and 'like smoke from a chimney,' emphasizing utter and complete destruction.
James 1:10This verse directly echoes the theme of transient human glory and wealth, stating that 'the rich man’s glory fades like the flower of the grass,' which is consistent with the ephemeral existence of the wicked.
Matthew 6:30Jesus here uses the imagery of flowers that are 'clothed' by God but also quickly cut down and cast into the fire, serving as a parallel to the temporary and ultimately consumed nature of the wicked.
calvinPsalms 37:20-22: "But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away."
- For the wicked shalt perish, and the enemies of Jehovah shall be consumed as the preciousness [35] of lambs; they shalt be consumed into smoke. [36] 21. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; but the righteous is merciful, and giveth. 22. For those who are blessed by him shall inherit the earth; and those who are cursed of him…
clarkePsalms 37:20: "But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away."
The enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs - This verse has given the critics some trouble. Several of the Versions read thus: "But the enemies of the Lord, as soon as they are exalted to honor, shall vanish; like smoke they vanish." If we follow the Hebreto, it intimates that they shall consume as the fat of lambs. That is, as…
The striking image here isn't just that the wicked vanish, but that their fleeting existence is compared to the "glory of the pastures." This means their prosperity is like the vibrant, beautiful grass that quickly dries up and disappears, especially when contrasted with the enduring provision God offers. They're like a stunning but temporary bloom, quickly consumed by the heat, emphasizing the emptiness of their earthly success.
This psalm is a contrast between the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the enduring inheritance of the righteous. The psalmist has just described how God provides for the faithful, even in times of scarcity. Now, he pivots to show the swift and complete downfall of those who oppose God. The imagery here emphasizes their ephemeral nature, vanishing like smoke, utterly gone and leaving no lasting impact.
This psalm is a contrast between the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the enduring inheritance of the righteous. The psalmist has just described how God provides for the faithful, even in times of scarcity. Now, he pivots to show the swift and complete downfall of those who oppose God. The imagery here emphasizes their ephemeral nature, vanishing like smoke, utterly gone and leaving no lasting impact.
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While physical death is a form of vanishing, the context of Psalm 37, which contrasts the wicked with the righteous who inherit the land, suggests this 'vanishing' points to a more complete and final destruction, far beyond a natural death.
"But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away." — The striking image here isn't just that the wicked vanish, but that their fleeting existence is compared to the "glory of the pastures." This means their prosperity is like the vibrant, beautiful gra…
