The righteous who dies or even killed, he is taken away from this world of calamity and brought to the place of ultimate peace and rest (v1-2). This is wonderful that when we are in Christ, if our enemies do their worse towards us, it results in bringing us into that which is the best.

The wicked are then condemned (v3-13; 20-21). They have great confidence in such things as sorcery and their religion. Their religion includes the worship of idols and the Lord. But the Lord will not receive their prayers because they are full of sin and pride. This is a warning to us all.

The focus returns to the righteous, to those with humble hearts (v14-19). Verse 15 is glorious as it speaks of God’s dwelling which is high and holy, but wonderfully His dwelling is also among the contrite and lowly. What a gloriously majestic and gracious God we worship!

For those who have sinned but who are genuinely contrite and repentant, there is a wonderful promise of healing, comfort and peace (v16-19). The door of welcome is always open to those who are lowly and contrite in heart.