Psalms 73:18

KJV

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely thou didst set {H7896}{H8799)} them in slippery places {H2513}: thou castedst them down {H5307}{H8689)} into destruction {H4876}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, you place them on a slippery slope and make them fall to their ruin.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.

American Standard Version

Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 73:18 marks the profound turning point in Asaph's spiritual journey, where he receives divine insight into the ultimate and certain fate of the wicked. After grappling with their apparent prosperity and his own struggles with envy, Asaph's perspective is dramatically transformed in the sanctuary, where he perceives that God Himself has intentionally placed the unrighteous on a treacherous and unstable path, leading them inexorably to a catastrophic and complete destruction, thereby affirming divine justice and the transient, illusory nature of worldly success.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm, structured as a deeply personal lament that transitions into a profound affirmation of faith and trust in God. The psalm opens with Asaph's candid confession of his near spiritual stumble, as he observed the seemingly untroubled and arrogant prosperity of the wicked (see [Psalm 73:2-12](/psalms/73-2-12 "Psalm 73:2-12 - Asaph's Struggle with the Wicked's Prosperity")). He felt his own righteous living was in vain and questioned God's justice (see [Psalm 73:13-16](/psalms/73-13-16 "Psalm 73:13-16 - Asaph's Despair and Questioning")). The pivotal moment occurs in [Psalm 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - The Turning Point in the Sanctuary"), where Asaph enters "the sanctuary of God" and gains a new, divine understanding of "their end." Verse 18 is the direct revelation of this understanding, starkly contrasting with the wicked's earlier perceived stability and foreshadowing the detailed description of their sudden and terrifying ruin in [Psalm 73:19-20](/psalms/73-19-20 "Psalm 73:19-20 - The Sudden Ruin of the Wicked"). The psalm then concludes with Asaph's renewed commitment to and joy in God, finding his ultimate security and good in Him alone (see [Psalm 73:21-28](/psalms/73-21-28 "Psalm 73:21-28 - Asaph's Renewed Trust and Joy in God")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Asaph, a prominent Levitical musician and seer during the time of David and Solomon (as noted in [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4-7 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - Asaph's Role in Worship") and [2 Chronicles 29:30](/2_chronicles/29-30 "2 Chronicles 29:30 - Asaph's Prophetic Songs")), wrestled with a theological dilemma common in ancient Israelite wisdom literature: the apparent injustice of the wicked prospering while the righteous suffer. This deeply perplexing problem is also explored in the Book of Job, [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked"), and [Jeremiah 12](/jeremiah/12 "Jeremiah 12 - Jeremiah's Complaint and God's Response"). The "sanctuary" (verse 17) refers to the Temple, a sacred space where divine revelation and spiritual clarity were often granted through worship, prayer, and meditation, acting as a place where earthly perspectives could be corrected by heavenly truth. The imagery of "slippery places" would resonate deeply with a people familiar with the treacherous, unstable terrain of the Judean hills, making it a powerful metaphor for moral and existential precariousness. The concept of "destruction" (מַשּׁוּאוֹת, *mashshûwʼâh*) points to desolation and ruin, a familiar consequence of divine judgment in the ancient Near East, often manifested through military defeat, famine, or natural disaster, emphasizing the completeness of their undoing.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. It underscores **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting God's active and sovereign role in the ultimate destiny of the wicked; their downfall is not random but a result of His righteous decree, ensuring that no unrighteousness goes unpunished indefinitely. It highlights **The Precariousness of Worldly Success**, using the vivid imagery of "slippery places" to convey that the prosperity of the unrighteous, however impressive or stable it may appear to human eyes, is inherently unstable, lacking any true foundation and inevitably leading to a fall. Furthermore, the phrase "thou castedst them down into destruction" emphasizes **Ultimate and Comprehensive Ruin**, signifying a complete, irreversible, and comprehensive desolation for those who oppose God, contrasting sharply with their temporary earthly flourishing (as seen in [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Perishing of the Wicked")). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Sovereignty**, as the declaration "Surely thou didst set them" points to God's ultimate control over all circumstances, including the timing and manner of judgment, providing the divine answer to the problem of evil that Asaph initially grappled with, reassuring the righteous of God's unwavering control.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _shîyth'_):** This verb (H7896) signifies to "place," "appoint," or "lay." Here, it powerfully conveys God's active and intentional agency. It is not that the wicked merely stumble into slippery places by chance, but that God Himself, in His sovereign will and righteous judgment, has appointed or established their position on such treacherous ground. This implies a divine design behind their precarious state, a deliberate act that sets the stage for their inevitable downfall.
* **Slippery places (Hebrew, _chelqâh'_):** While the KJV uses the plural "places," the root (H2513) refers to "smoothness" or a "slippery place." Figuratively, it denotes a treacherous, unstable, and morally precarious path. This word vividly describes an existential and ethical instability, where a fall is not just possible but divinely ensured. Despite their outward appearance of security and strength, the wicked are, by divine design, on a path that offers no firm footing, leading them to an unavoidable and sudden collapse.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _mashshûwʼâh'_):** This noun (H4876) denotes "ruin," "desolation," or "waste." It signifies a comprehensive and utter undoing, emphasizing the finality and completeness of the judgment. It is not a temporary setback but a state of irreversible devastation, highlighting the stark contrast between the fleeting pleasures of the wicked and their ultimate, utter ruin. This term underscores the absolute nature of their divinely ordained end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:"** This opening clause reveals the divine agency behind the wicked's precarious position. The emphatic "Surely" (אַךְ, *ʾak*) underscores the certainty and truth of Asaph's divinely revealed understanding. God is not merely observing but actively "setting" or placing the wicked on this treacherous path. This implies that their apparent success and stability are a deceptive, temporary state, allowed by God to highlight their ultimate instability and to serve His sovereign purposes of justice. Their foundation is not solid ground but a path designed by divine decree for their inevitable downfall.
* **"thou castedst them down into destruction."** This second clause describes the inevitable, forceful, and comprehensive outcome of their divinely appointed position. The verb "castedst down" (תַּפִּילֵם, *tappîlēm*, from H5307, *nâphal*) is strong and decisive, indicating a sudden, forceful, and irreversible action by God. It signifies a complete and utter ruin, as defined by the Hebrew word *mashshûwʼâh*. This is not a gradual decline but a swift and decisive judgment, demonstrating God's ultimate power to bring about the downfall of those who oppose Him, fulfilling His righteous justice and bringing their temporary prosperity to an absolute end.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 73:18 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **metaphor**, particularly in the vivid phrase "slippery places." This image serves as a potent **metaphor** for the precarious and morally unstable position of the wicked, despite their outward show of prosperity and strength. It evokes a visceral sense of imminent and unavoidable fall, contrasting sharply with the security they believe they possess. The verse also utilizes **synthetic parallelism**, where the second clause expands upon and completes the thought of the first. "Thou didst set them in slippery places" logically leads to and is fulfilled by "thou castedst them down into destruction," illustrating the divinely ordained cause-and-effect relationship and God's active role in both. Finally, there is a strong element of **irony** present. The wicked boast of their stability, mock the righteous, and live as if impervious to consequence (as described in [Psalm 73:6-9](/psalms/73-6-9 "Psalm 73:6-9 - The Arrogance of the Wicked")), yet the psalm reveals that God has, all along, placed them on a path that guarantees their downfall, making their perceived strength and security the very means of their ultimate ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse offers profound theological insights, primarily affirming God's unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty in the face of apparent inequities. It assures believers that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, built on an unstable foundation, and ultimately subject to divine judgment. This truth serves as a powerful antidote to envy, despair, and the temptation to question God's fairness, reminding us that God sees all, and His timing for justice is perfect. It underscores the biblical principle that while the wicked may flourish for a season, their end is ruin, while the righteous, though they may suffer, have an enduring hope and a secure future in God. This understanding transforms the believer's perspective on earthly struggles, shifting focus from transient circumstances to eternal realities, and encourages steadfast faith, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His own and bring all things into righteous account.

* [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Perishing of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way that Seems Right")
* [Matthew 7:13](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13 - The Wide Gate and Narrow Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 73:18 offers immense comfort and a crucial corrective for the believer navigating a world often seemingly dominated by injustice and the apparent success of the unrighteous. It calls us to shift our gaze from the temporary outward appearance of worldly prosperity to God's eternal perspective and ultimate justice. When we are tempted to envy the wicked or question God's fairness, this verse reminds us that their perceived stability is an illusion, a dangerous path divinely appointed to lead to their inevitable destruction. Our security, therefore, must never be sought in earthly gains, fleeting pleasures, or human approval, but solely in our unwavering relationship with God, who is our ultimate refuge and firm foundation. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His righteous character, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. This truth liberates us from the anxiety of comparison and empowers us to live righteously, pursuing eternal values with confidence, knowing that true stability, lasting joy, and eternal reward are found only in Him, not in the "slippery places" of worldly gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of this verse comfort you when you observe injustice or the prosperity of the unrighteous in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to seek stability or satisfaction in "slippery places" (e.g., wealth, power, reputation, fleeting pleasures) rather than in God?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate judgment on the wicked shape your perspective on temporary earthly struggles and the pursuit of righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What does "slippery places" specifically mean in the context of Psalm 73:18?**

Answer: In this context, "slippery places" (Hebrew: *chelqâh*, H2513) is a powerful metaphor for the precarious and morally treacherous position of the wicked, despite their outward appearance of security and prosperity. It signifies that their foundation is inherently unstable, lacking any true footing. God, in His sovereignty and justice, has allowed them to build their lives on this unstable ground, which inevitably leads to their downfall. It's not merely a physical slipperiness, but an existential and moral instability that guarantees their ultimate ruin, contrasting sharply with the firm foundation found in God (as seen in [Psalm 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Psalm 40:2 - God Lifts Me Out of the Miry Bog")).

**Does this verse imply that God actively causes people to sin or that He desires their destruction?**

Answer: This verse does not imply that God causes people to sin. Instead, it emphasizes God's sovereignty over the *consequences* of sin and His role as the righteous judge. The wicked choose their path of rebellion, self-reliance, and rejection of God's ways (as highlighted in [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Eating the Fruit of Their Own Way")), and God, in His perfect justice, ensures that their chosen trajectory leads to its inevitable and divinely ordained end. He "sets them" in these places in the sense that He allows their chosen course to reach its logical and just conclusion, and He "casts them down" as the righteous judge executing judgment. It underscores His ultimate control over all destinies, ensuring that justice is served and that no one can ultimately escape the consequences of their actions. God desires all to come to repentance (see [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")), but He also upholds His justice against those who persistently reject Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 73:18, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's inevitable downfall, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Asaph wrestled with the temporary prosperity of the unrighteous, Christ reveals the eternal consequences of choosing a life apart from God and offers the only true path to lasting security. Jesus Himself warned about the folly of building one's life on an unstable foundation, likening it to building a house on sand, which collapses in the storm, in contrast to building on the rock of His teachings (see [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). He is the only true and firm foundation upon which a secure life can be built (as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")), providing stability where the world offers only "slippery places." Furthermore, Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death ensures the final and complete destruction of all evil and those who persist in rebellion against God. His return will usher in a final judgment where the "sheep" are separated from the "goats," with those who rejected Him being cast into eternal destruction (see [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). For believers, this means that through Christ, we are delivered from the "slippery places" of sin and judgment and are instead placed on the secure ground of His grace and righteousness (as beautifully described in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")), finding our eternal security and hope in Him alone, a hope that will never be cast down into destruction.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 35:6

Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.

Jeremiah 23:12

Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery [ways] in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, [even] the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Deuteronomy 32:35

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Psalms 94:23

And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off.

Psalms 92:7

¶ When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; [it is] that they shall be destroyed for ever:

Psalms 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.