Psalm 37 is an excellent example of the structure of most of the psalms. They are statements of general truth or instruction. And they usually take one of two forms. One form is as follows. There is a statement of truth or instruction and then a restatement of that truth or instruction in a slightly different form. Verses 1-8 are examples of this form. The instruction is “do not fret because of evildoers”–a general statement. It is followed by a restatement of the same instruction–”do not be envious of wrongdoers.” Verse 6 states the general truth that the Lord makes “vindication shine like the light,” and restates the same truth by saying the Lord makes the” justice of your cause [shine] like the noonday.”
The other primary form the psalms take is that of a statement or instruction followed by a contrasting statement or instruction. This form is demonstrated beginning in verse 9. “The wicked will be cut off” is a statement of truth. It is followed by a contrasting statement of truth–”those who wiat for the Lord shall inherit the land.” Verse 10 and 11 combine the two forms. In verse 10 you have a statement of truth regarding the wicked followed by a restatement of that truth. Then in verse 11 you have the contrasting truth statement followed by a restatement of that contrasting truth. In this way, through repetition and contrast, the truths of how God reigns and works in the world can be learned. Repetition and contrast are great teachers. The Psalms have the capacity to teach us if we will read and soak in and believe what they say.
The Psalms were written in particular circumstances. They were songs that were used in the practice of worship for the people of Israel. It is important to study the background information in order to know what the context was. Was David under seige by an enemy? Were the people in exile? What was happening to David and or Israel when the psaslm was written? Then we can better understand what the parallel meaning is for us in our time and in our circumstances. Some psalms are very general in meaning and can be interpreted for our times easily. Other psalms are very particular and it is more difficult–takes more time–to understand what the parallel meaning for our day is. The fact that they have been included in holy scripture means that the reading, singing, and meditating of them is a powerful tool for our spiritual growth. The human condition–full of sin and in need of a savior–is the same throughout history. When we read the Psalms for comfort and in order to worship God they have the ability to make us grow more Christ-like.