←Psalm 73→BSB

In This Chapter 3 people 20 terms 4 themes 4 resources

People

Israel 2 Jacob (Patriarch) Jeshurun (Israel)

Key Terms

Perceive 3 Counsel 3 Play the Prostitute (Idiom) 3 Be Zealous 2 Peace 2 Innocence 2 Shadow 2 Refuge (Shelter) 2 Be Complete Complete Complete Certainty Be Fully Assured Likeness Greatness Glory (Presence of God) Glory (Splendor) Praise (Glorify) Praise (Respect) Refuge (Asylum) Taking Refuge

Themes

Complaints Material Reward Questions and Doubt Wisdom Psalms

Resources

Psalms Book Overview Poor, the Articles Prayer Articles Proverbs, Book of Articles

BOOK III

Psalms 73—89

Surely God Is Good to Israel

A Psalm of Asaph.

ⓘ This wisdom psalm examines the injustice of the...

This wisdom psalm examines the injustice of the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist affirms that God is good to the godly but his own experience differs (73:2–12). Nearly overcome by his doubts (73:13–16), the psalmist meets the Lord in the sanctuary and gains a perspective that stretches beyond his life and renews his confidence in God (73:17–26). His disturbing doubts stir a greater passion for truth. He knows that he can trust God and that God will rescue him (73:27–28).
ⓘ The apparent prosperity of the wicked (Ps 73)...

The apparent prosperity of the wicked (Ps 73) and God’s apparent rejection of his people (Ps 74) raise questions about his justice. God is sovereign over the whole world, and he determines the time for judgment (Ps 75).
ⓘ was a Levitical singer appointed by David (1...

was a Levitical singer appointed by David (1 Chr 6:39); his descendants were singers and instrumentalists (1 Chr 15:16–17). Many of the psalms of Asaph (Pss 50, 73–83) were probably written by Asaph’s descendants at a later time in Israel’s history (e.g., Ps 74).
1Surely God is good to Israel,to those who are pure in heart.
ⓘ The poet sees the prosperity of the wicked...
  • The poet sees the prosperity of the wicked as unfair (see 72:7) and resents it.
  • The psalmist’s feet were slipping from the way of wisdom and godliness (see 17:5; 37:31), but God kept him from falling off the trail entirely (38:16; 66:9; 94:18; 121:3).
  • when I saw them prosper: Cp. 72:3, 7.
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;my steps had nearly slipped.3For I envied the arrogantwhen I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
ⓘ The psalmist presents a caricature of the bliss...

The psalmist presents a caricature of the bliss of the wicked (cp. Ps 1).
4They have no struggle in their death;their bodies are well-fed.5They are free of the burdens others carry;they are not afflicted like other men.6Therefore pride is their necklace;a garment of violence covers them.7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;†the imaginations of their hearts run wild.8They mock and speak with malice;with arrogance they threaten oppression.9They set their mouths against the heavens,and their tongues strut across the earth.
10So their people† return to this placeand drink up waters in abundance.11The wicked say, “How can God know?Does the Most High have knowledge?”12Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.
ⓘ These rhetorical questions expect a discouraging “yes” for...
  • These rhetorical questions expect a discouraging “yes” for an answer. The psalmist wonders if godliness has become a meaningless ritual (see Mal 3:14–15).
  • My heart refers to his whole being.
  • The psalmist’s pain comes from discipline and rebuke (Ps 39:11; Prov 1:23, 25; 12:1).
ⓘ Recognizing the ramifications of his discouragement and doubt,...

Recognizing the ramifications of his discouragement and doubt, the psalmist turns to the Lord and receives special insight.
13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;in innocence I have washed my hands.14For I am afflicted all day longand punished every morning.
ⓘ If the psalmist had verbalized his suspicions about...

If the psalmist had verbalized his suspicions about the futility of godly living, he would have discouraged God’s people and given God’s enemies an opportunity to blaspheme (cp. John 13:20). Instead, the psalmist internalizes the problem and reflects on it.
15If I had said, “I will speak this way,”then I would have betrayed Your children.16When I tried to understand all this,it was troublesome in my sight
ⓘ At this time, God’s sanctuary was the Temple...
  • At this time, God’s sanctuary was the Temple in Jerusalem. There, in God’s presence, the psalmist receives special insight (cp. 18:6).
  • God deals with the wicked over the long term. He waits patiently and gives them time to repent (Ezek 33:11; 2 Pet 3:9); those who do not repent will get what they deserve.
17until I entered God’s sanctuary;then I discerned their end.
18Surely You set them on slick ground;You cast them down into ruin.19How suddenly they are laid waste,completely swept away by terrors!20Like one waking from a dream,so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
ⓘ The psalmist’s feelings about the prosperity of the...

The psalmist’s feelings about the prosperity of the wicked had given him a bitter spirit.
21When my heart was grievedand I was pierced within,22I was senseless and ignorant;I was a brute beast before You.
23Yet I am always with You;You hold my right hand.24You guide me with Your counsel,and later receive me in glory.
ⓘ Nothing in heaven or on earth is better...

Nothing in heaven or on earth is better than being near God.
25Whom have I in heaven but You?And on earth I desire no one besides You.26My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength† of my heartand my portion forever.
27Those far from You will surely perish;You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.28But as for me, it is good to draw near to God.I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,that I may proclaim all Your works.