Psalms 28:5

28:5 For they do not understand the Lord’s actions,

or the way he carries out justice. 1 

The Lord 2  will permanently demolish them. 3 

Psalms 37:7

37:7 Wait patiently for the Lord! 4 

Wait confidently 5  for him!

Do not fret over the apparent success of a sinner, 6 

a man who carries out wicked schemes!

1 tn Heb “or the work of his hands.” In this context “the Lord’s actions” and “the work of his hands” probably refer to the way he carries out justice by vindicating the godly and punishing the wicked. (Note the final line of the verse, which refers to divine judgment. See also Ps 92:4-7.) Evil men do not “understand” God’s just ways; they fail to realize he will protect the innocent. Consequently they seek to harm the godly, as if they believe they will never be held accountable for their actions.

2 tn Heb “he”; the referent (the Lord, who is referred to in the two immediately preceding lines) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

3 tn Heb “will tear them down and not rebuild them.” The ungodly are compared to a structure that is permanently demolished.

4 tn Heb “Be quiet before the Lord!”

5 tc The Hebrew text has וְהִתְחוֹלֵל (vÿhitkholel, Hitpolel of חִיל, khil, “writhe with fear, suffer”) but this idea fits awkwardly here. The text should be changed to וְתוֹחֵל (vÿtokhel; Hiphil of יָחַל, yakhal, “wait”). It appears that the Hebrew text is the product of dittography: (1) the initial וה (vav-he) is accidentally repeated from the preceding word (יְהוָה, yÿhvah) and (2) the final lamed (ל) is accidentally repeated (note the preceding lamed and the initial lamed on the following form, לו).

6 tn Heb “over one who causes his way to be successful.”