Bible Trees

The Bay Tree

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Psalm 37:35

David used a bay tree as a picture of the wicked in their prosperity. Yet Psalm 1 uses a flourishing tree as a picture of the righteous. Here it is used in reverse, the wicked being compared to a green tree which flourishes for a time but soon passes away and is seen no more. David reports that he has seen a wicked, violent, strong man tower over others like an overspreading tree that seems to be firmly grounded and immoveable. This reference might be entirely poetic. However, David's personal history included encounters with those who fit this description. Those ungodly people who exhibited their own forms of strength and power—wealth, physical prowess, or authority—but were eventually nowhere to be found (Psalm 37:36). 

However, to get the context of this verse, it is important to look at the surrounding verses. Verse 34 for example prefaces the image of the wicked with words that say, “Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land”

What is clear, is that there is real folly in relying upon acquired wealth and status, indeed there is a different kind of richness of an even greater value found in the  contentment  waiting upon the Lord in anonymous  poverty rather than showy boasting. 

Spiritual discipline is key to this. If a person relies on his own strength, he will fail to exercise restraint. Paul wrote that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). The way to achieve victory when the enemy attacks is to wait on the Lord to act and to keep His way (Psalm 37:34). Trust in the Lord and obedience to His commands are powerful weapons. If we trust and obey, the righteous will be exalted by the Lord and will dwell in the Promised Land. 

Lord, in my waiting, help me to be strong and filled with courage, lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. Help me to have patience and  may Your integrity and uprightness preserve me. Amen