What does Psalm 37:22 mean?
Those who are blessed by the Lord—in this context, meaning the righteous who follow Him (Psalm 37:21)—can look forward to dwelling in the Promised Land. In a prophetic sense, this applies to those who believe in God and can look forward to eternal life (John 6:40).The Lord vowed to give a vast territory to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 17:8, He promised Abraham: "I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God." The hope of all faithful Jews is to live in the Promised Land with their Messiah.
When the apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he called for the local leaders of the Jews and told them, "It is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain" (Acts 28:20). At a later meeting he told them about the kingdom of God, meaning the Messiah's earthly kingdom, and tried to lead them to faith in Jesus (Acts 28:23).
Those who defy God, however, will be "cut off." They will not share any of the promises the Lord made in His covenant with Israel. They will never inherit the Promised Land or participate in the community of God's people.
Psalm 37:21–31 points out the blessings of the righteous. David describes not only their blessings but also their character and conduct. The Lord blesses the righteous with the promise of an inheritance, personal guidance, protection, provision, a good posterity, and His presence.
In this psalm, David contrasts the way God protects and saves His people, contrasted with the ruin which awaits the wicked. Much of this seems to be based on David's own experiences (Psalm 37:25, 35). As with many other passages in Psalms and Proverbs, this passage encourages godly wisdom. Those who reject God and His ways can expect uncertainty on earth and disaster in eternity.
