This Psalm has three main themes that are repeated throughout.
Theme 1 – Those who do evil will not last: “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” (v1-2) This theme repeats in v9,10,13,15,17,20,22,28,34,36,38.
Theme 2 – God delivers the righteous: “but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.” (v33) This theme repeats in v3,6,17,18,19,23,24,37,39,40
Theme 3 – God gives the righteous blessings and inheritance: “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” (v11) This theme repeats in v4,6,18,19,22,23-31,34,37
Most authors (or speakers) repeat themselves for two reasons – they don’t realize they are repeating themselves, or they are trying to drive home an important point – I believe David is doing the latter. David states the same themes, worded slightly differently, over and over for emphasis. Clearly he wants us to learn something here.
Point 1 – If we do things our own (or rather, Satan’s) way, we will perish.
Point 2 – God longs to deliver us from evil (ie. Satan) and eternal death
Point 3 – If we trust in God, we’re not only saved from Satan’s rule and eternal death, we’re blessed in multiple other ways (safety, peace, spiritual prosperity, etc)
What do we stand to lose by following God? Um, maybe a “good time” (by worldly standards). What do we stand to lose by not following God? Literally, everything, including our lives.
Father God, I know some of this information seems a little repetitive and basic for those who have followed you for some time, however I praise you for the reminder. This reminder helps me to not become complacent, and it also helps me to explain the basics of Christianity to those who may not know these things. Father would you please continue creating opportunities for us to reach those who need to hear this gospel message – Jesus paid the penalty, to make it possible for us to reconcile with you, so that we could gain it all and lose nothing in return.
~ Conqueror in Training