
Psalm 73
Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph and reflects a personal struggle with envy and doubt when observing the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist questions God’s justice but eventually gains clarity by entering God's presence. He realizes the ultimate destiny of the wicked and finds peace in trusting God’s guidance and faithfulness.
Psalm 73:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.
7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish.
8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them.
The psalmist begins by acknowledging God's goodness to those who are faithful. However, he admits his struggle with envy when he observes the apparent success of the wicked. They seem to live without suffering or trouble, filled with pride and indulging in abundance. This leads to confusion and discouragement as their arrogance grows unchecked, even to the point of blasphemy. Many people admire and follow these prosperous individuals, further deepening the psalmist’s inner conflict.
Psalm 73:11-16 (NKJV)
11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches.
13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16 When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me—
The wicked openly question God’s knowledge and justice, reinforcing the psalmist’s frustration. They continue to thrive, despite their ungodly ways, leaving the psalmist to wonder if his pursuit of righteousness is meaningless. His personal suffering seems constant, contrasting with the ease of the wicked. Yet, he recognizes that speaking out his doubts might harm others in the faith. Still, the burden of understanding these contradictions weighs heavily on him.
Psalm 73:17-20 (NKJV)
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
The turning point comes when the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God. In God's presence, he gains insight into the final outcome of the wicked. Though they appear secure now, their foundation is unstable, and their downfall will be sudden and complete. Their prosperity is temporary, like a fleeting dream that vanishes upon awakening. God's justice will ultimately prevail, and their arrogance will be met with ruin.
Psalm 73:21-26 (NKJV)
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
The psalmist expresses regret for his earlier doubts, recognizing his limited understanding. He compares his former state of mind to that of an irrational animal. Yet, despite his shortcomings, God remains faithful, holding him close. The psalmist finds peace knowing that God will guide him through life and welcome him into glory. His renewed focus is on God alone, declaring that nothing in heaven or earth compares to the joy found in Him. Even in weakness, God becomes his source of strength and lasting hope.
Psalm 73:27-28 (NKJV)
27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.
The psalm concludes with a declaration of confidence in God's justice. Those who turn away from God will ultimately perish, experiencing destruction for their unfaithfulness. In contrast, the psalmist affirms that drawing near to God is the right path. Trusting in the Lord brings purpose, and the psalmist commits to sharing God's works with others. Through his journey from doubt to understanding, he has found peace and resolve in God's presence.