Psalms73

Asaph initially struggles with his faith, almost stumbling due to envy of the wicked's apparent prosperity and ease. However, upon entering God's sanctuary, he gains understanding of their sudden and ultimate destruction. He then reaffirms his unwavering trust in God, recognizing Him as his constant guide, strength, and eternal portion, despite his own failings.
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The Psalmist's Initial Struggle

1
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. ​
2
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. ​
3
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ​

The Deceptive Prosperity of the Wicked

4
They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. ​
5
They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
6
Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. ​
7
From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. ​
8
They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. ​
10
So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. ​
11
The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” ​
12
Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.

Doubt and Despair

13
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. ​
14
For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. ​
15
If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. ​
16
When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight

The Turning Point in the Sanctuary

17
until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. ​
18
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. ​
19
How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
20
Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. ​
21
When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
22
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. ​

Assurance and Eternal Hope

23
Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. ​
24
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. ​
25
Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. ​
26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ​
27
Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. ​
28
But 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. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 73

Verse 1

This verse introduces the psalm with a crucial theological affirmation (God is good to Israel), which the Psalmist’s subsequent crisis of faith will test. Asaph, the author, immediately confirms the orthodox view before describing his doubt.

Verse 2

The metaphor of 'slipping feet' illustrates the near-total collapse of the Psalmist’s faith when confronted with the perplexing reality of injustice in the world.

Verse 3

The crisis is triggered by envy, a deep emotional response to the apparent success and prosperity enjoyed by those who actively disregard divine law.

Verse 4

The phrase 'no bands in their death' suggests that the wicked experience an easy, peaceful, and painless end, contrasting sharply with the suffering often associated with the righteous (see v. 14).

Verse 6

Pride and violence are described as clothing ('chain,' 'garment'), symbolizing that these sins are their defining characteristics and are displayed openly without shame.

Verse 7

Their physical indulgence ('eyes stand out with fatness') is a biblical sign of excessive luxury and moral corruption resulting from unchecked wealth and self-gratification.

Verse 9

Setting their mouth 'against the heavens' is supreme blasphemy, claiming superiority over God. Their tongue walking 'through the earth' signifies their widespread arrogance and destructive influence.

Verse 10

This difficult verse suggests that the wicked’s success causes even God's own people ('his people') to turn away from faith, perhaps adopting the wicked’s skepticism or being drawn into their prosperity.

Verse 11

This rhetorical question expresses the core arrogance of the ungodly: the denial of God's active knowledge, involvement, or care in human affairs (a form of practical atheism).

Verse 13

This marks the peak of the Psalmist's crisis. He feels that his commitment to purity and righteousness ('cleansed my heart') has been useless, as he has received only affliction while the wicked thrive.

Verse 14

The Psalmist contrasts his constant affliction ('plagued, and chastened every morning') with the ease of the wicked (v. 4), highlighting the apparent failure of the covenant promises of blessing.

Verse 15

Asaph recognizes that voicing his painful doubts publicly would cause others who trust God ('the generation of thy children') to stumble, showing a concern for corporate faith despite his personal agony.

Verse 17

The 'sanctuary of God' (the Temple) is the place of divine encounter. The resolution to the Psalmist’s crisis is not found through intellectual reasoning, but through spiritual insight granted during worship.

Verse 18

The vision changes: the wicked’s prosperity is now seen not as security, but as a dangerous, unstable height ('slippery places') from which God will cast them down into swift judgment.

Verse 20

The wicked's existence is transient and illusory, like a dream that vanishes when one wakes up. When God acts ('thou awakest'), their power and image will be utterly dismissed.

Verse 22

Looking back, Asaph judges his own jealousy and doubt as utterly irrational and spiritually dull, comparing his lack of understanding to that of an unthinking 'beast.'

Verse 23

Despite his momentary lapse (v. 22), the Psalmist affirms that God never abandoned him ('continually with thee'), illustrating God's steadfast faithfulness even when human faith falters.

Verse 24

This verse moves beyond temporal justice to eternal destiny. 'Glory' likely refers to eternal fellowship with God, which provides the ultimate resolution to the problem of suffering.

Verse 25

This is an intense expression of devotion (a confession of faith), declaring God as the sole object of desire and ultimate satisfaction, both in heaven and on earth.

Verse 26

Recognizing physical and emotional frailty, the Psalmist grounds his hope in God, who is his 'portion for ever.' This echoes the Levitical concept where God himself is the ultimate inheritance.

Verse 27

The fate of those who reject God ('go a whoring,' a metaphor for spiritual idolatry or apostasy) is contrasted sharply with the eternal hope of those who draw near to Him.

Verse 28

The psalm concludes with a renewed commitment to ministry ('declare all thy works') and closeness to God, affirming the goodness stated in verse 1, but now based on spiritual experience and revelation.

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