What does Psalm 37:17 mean?

David completes a thought from the prior verse (Psalm 37:16). In Hebrew, much as in English, the term for "arm" is also used to imply weapons, or military forces. On a personal level, "arms" are representative of a person's strength. David is pointing out that not only will the weapons of the wicked fail, but their strength will collapse, as well. The strength of the wicked is no match for the strength of God (Isaiah 14:27).

When Moses blessed the tribe of Asher, he predicted, "as your days, so shall your strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:25). In blessing the tribes of Israel, Moses said, "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27). Believers may not be physically strong throughout their lifetime (2 Corinthians 12:10), but the Lord will always uphold them and wrap His arms around them. The Lord promises in Isaiah 41:10: "I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."