Psalm 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
What an image for the believer to contemplate! The reader of this psalm would note the strong contrast between the man who is rooted in self and the believer rooted in the Sovereign. The verse becomes his testimony of difference. Note the phrase, “But I am like…” What about you? In relation to those around you, what are you like? Are you like a green olive tree?
The green olive tree was the image the psalmist held in his mind that best displayed his relationship with God. The verse serves as a testimony of his life. He firsts testifies of the contrast of himself against the man who is rooted in self. He also testifies of his confidence in the Sovereign.
He states, “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.” Note the prosperity of his relationship. It is flourishing (green), fruitful (olive), and firm (deeply rooted tree) relationship. Note also the permanence of his relationship. It is secure (in), sheltered (the house), and supervised (of God).
The careful reader will also see his confidence in the Sovereign. “I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.” He is confident of the Sovereign’s mercy. His confidence in His mercy was permanent, perpetual, and positive.
In my heart this day, though no matter what occurs, may my confidence be in Him
He indicates the liveliness of his relationship with God.
- He is flourishing (green).
- He is fruitful (olive).
- He is firm (tree).
He indicates the permanence of his relationship. He has been planted in the house of God.
This statement identifies three things.
- It identifies his Owner’s attention, (in the house)
- his Owner’s appreciation (in the house), and
- his Owner’s affection (in the house of God).
The Psalmist could not plant himself; God planted him. His Owner wanted him planted where He could appreciate this tree. His Owner loves him dearly so he is planted in the house of God. What love the Owner has for His tree.
The Psalmist gives his declaration in the latter half of this verse. The Psalmist declares that His trees are content knowing He alone can be trusted forever.