Psalm 37:39-40
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Salvation doesn't just come from the Lord; the text emphasizes that He is the righteous person's "stronghold." This isn't just about rescue, but about an abiding, secure place of refuge within Him, available precisely when things feel most unstable.
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a section of Psalm 37 that contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the enduring peace of the righteous. After detailing how the wicked will be destroyed and their prosperity will be short-lived, the psalmist shifts focus to the steadfast security found in God. The verses immediately following emphasize that the Lord sustains and delivers those who trust in Him, highlighting His faithfulness as the ultimate source of their well-being.
We often strive to save ourselves, to be our own strength. But what if the true source of our security lies entirely elsewhere?
This verse makes a powerful, singular declaration: 'The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD.' It's not partially from God, or aided by God, but wholly originating from Him. This means our salvation – our rescue, our well-being, our ultimate deliverance – isn't something we earn or even initiate. It's a gift, a divine act that starts with God Himself. This is echoed throughout Scripture, reminding us that any good or saving power we experience flows from His grace and initiative, not our own merit.
Life throws curveballs, and 'time of trouble' is a language we all understand. Where do you find your most secure refuge when the storms hit?
The psalm doesn't just say God saves us; it describes how and where He is our salvation. He is our 'stronghold.' Imagine an ancient fortress, solid and unbreachable, a place of ultimate safety. That's the image God provides for us in difficult times. This isn't just a temporary fix; it's a deep, abiding security found in His presence and power. When troubles come, we are called to run to this stronghold, finding refuge and strength not in our own abilities, but in His faithfulness and protection.
Understand the original words
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teshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
Involves rescue, deliverance, and victory provided by God, encompassing both physical preservation and the ultimate spiritual well-being of the believer.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A covenant name for God, the self-existent "I AM," who is faithful to His promises and enters into a personal, redeeming relationship with His people.
ma'oz · Hebrew Noun
A place of protection or a mountain fortress; it metaphorically describes God as the secure, impenetrable refuge for His people in times of danger.
chasah · Hebrew Verb
The act of trusting or hiding in God, moving to Him as one’s primary source of security, shelter, and defense against enemies or adversity.
This passage echoes the theme of divine protection during hardship, stating that when the righteous pass through difficult times, God is with them and ensures they will not be overcome.
Nahum 1:7This verse directly parallels Psalm 37:39 by declaring the Lord is a stronghold for those who take refuge in Him, especially during times of distress and judgment.
John 10:28-29Jesus' words here assure believers that their salvation and security are ultimately in His hands and the Father's, reinforcing the idea that no one can snatch them away, much like the Psalmist's confidence in God as their stronghold.
1 Peter 1:5This passage speaks of believers being guarded by God's power through faith, awaiting a salvation that is ready to be revealed, which directly supports the concept of God's protective salvation for the righteous in times of trouble.
poolePsalms 37:39: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."
The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; and therefore it shall certainly come to them.
calvinPsalms 37:37-40: "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."
- Observe the perfect man, and consider the just for the end of that man is peace. 38. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. 39. The salvation of the righteous is from Jehovah: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40. Jehovah shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked: he shall preserve them, because they…
Salvation doesn't just come from the Lord; the text emphasizes that He is the righteous person's "stronghold." This isn't just about rescue, but about an abiding, secure place of refuge within Him, available precisely when things feel most unstable.
This verse concludes a section of Psalm 37 that contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the enduring peace of the righteous. After detailing how the wicked will be destroyed and their prosperity will be short-lived, the psalmist shifts focus to the steadfast security found in God. The verses immediately following emphasize that the Lord sustains and delivers those who trust in Him, highlighting His faithfulness as the ultimate source of their well-being.
This verse concludes a section of Psalm 37 that contrasts the ultimate fate of the wicked with the enduring peace of the righteous. After detailing how the wicked will be destroyed and their prosperity will be short-lived, the psalmist shifts focus to the steadfast security found in God. The verses immediately following emphasize that the Lord sustains and delivers those who trust in Him, highlighting His faithfulness as the ultimate source of their well-being.
"The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." — Salvation doesn't just come from the Lord; the text emphasizes that He is the righteous person's "stronghold." This isn't just about rescue, but about an abiding, secure place of refuge within Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
