Psalms 36:5 - Exposition

Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens . Instead of the usual contrast between the wicked man and the godly one ( Psalms 1:1-6 ; Psalms 4:2 , Psalms 4:3 ; Psalms 5:10 , Psalms 5:11 , etc.), the psalmist here makes the startling contrast between the wicked man and God! The character of the wicked man is given in four verses ( Psalms 36:1-4 ), the portrait of God in five ( Psalms 36:5-9 ). God's first and principal characteristic is "mercy"—or rather, "loving-kindness" ( חסר ). This quality is revealed, not on earth only, but also in heaven, towards the angels. Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Next to loving-kindness in God comes "faithfulness"—fidelity to every promise that he has ever made, unswerving attachment to those whom he has once loved, undeviating maintenance of the truth (comp. Psalms 57:10 ; Psalms 108:4 ).