But the humble shall inherit the land and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11 WEB
Psalm 37 which mentions humble people delighting themselves in the abundance of peace is an alphabetic acrostic psalm written by King David. In its modern form in the bible, it is numbered in forty verses. However, in the original Hebrew language, it is a series of twenty-two four lined poems. Each of these twenty-two sections is based on a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. King David likely wrote the poem in the latter years of his reign.
Jesus refers to this line of the psalm of David in his sermon on the mount. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. KJV” The Hebrew word translated as meek does not mean weak or timid, but rather humble in nature. It indicates individuals who submit themselves to the will of God.
Solomon writes of God in Proverbs 3:34, “Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble. WEB” Similarly, 1 Peter 5:6 echoes the sentiment of David’s psalm saying, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. WEB” Numerous scriptures instruct the faithful in humble service of the Lord promising God’s blessing for doing so.
The Kingdom of Christ
The land referred to in David’s psalm is the nation of Israel. When Jesus returns, he will establish his throne in Jerusalem. In that time, the Jews and Gentiles in the Kingdom of Christ will experience peace like no one has ever experienced before.
The prophet Isaiah writes of the peace the Lord brings in Isaiah 2:4 saying, “He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. WEB”
These scriptures present a vision of the righteous reign of God in Jesus Christ. Rather than the corrupt rule of flawed men, when Jesus returns, we will have the perfect justice that only God can bring. In that time, the humble will possess the land and experience “the abundance of peace.”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the promise of a better future and an abundance of peace. May your will be done here on earth. Provide for my needs for today and help me to live in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: That Which Is to Come
