Psalms 73:19

KJV

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

KJV (with Strong's)

How are they brought into desolation {H8047}, as in a moment {H7281}! they are utterly {H5486}{H8804)} consumed {H8552}{H8804)} with terrors {H1091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How suddenly they are destroyed, swept away by terrors!

Berean Standard Bible

How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!

American Standard Version

How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:19, a pivotal verse within Asaph's profound reflection, articulates the sudden and terrifying downfall awaiting the wicked, a stark contrast to their perceived earthly prosperity. It marks a dramatic shift in the psalmist's understanding, moving from envy and doubt to a clear vision of divine justice, revealing that the apparent security and success of those who disregard God are but fleeting illusions, destined for an abrupt and consuming end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Asaph's spiritual crisis and subsequent revelation. Psalm 73 opens with the psalmist confessing his near spiritual stumble due to his envy of the wicked's seemingly untroubled prosperity and arrogance ([Psalms 73:2-12](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2-12 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked")). He wrestled deeply with the apparent injustice, feeling his own pursuit of purity was in vain ([Psalms 73:13-16](/psalms/73-13 "Psalms 73:13-16 - Asaph's Struggle with Injustice")). The turning point, crucial for understanding verse 19, occurs when Asaph "went into the sanctuary of God" ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - Asaph's Revelation in the Sanctuary")), where he gained divine insight into the ultimate destiny of the unrighteous. Verse 19, therefore, is the terrifying realization of that destiny, immediately following the divine revelation of their slippery standing ([Psalms 73:18](/psalms/73-18 "Psalms 73:18 - The Wicked on Slippery Ground")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 73 belongs to the wisdom tradition of Israel, grappling with the perennial problem of theodicy – how a just and omnipotent God can allow the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffer. This was a common struggle for believers in ancient Israel, as seen in books like Job and Ecclesiastes, and various other Psalms. The cultural context often valued outward signs of blessing (wealth, large family, long life) as indicators of divine favor. When the wicked seemed to enjoy these blessings without consequence, it challenged the fundamental understanding of God's justice and covenant faithfulness. Asaph's journey reflects a universal human struggle to reconcile God's character with the observable inequities of the world, ultimately finding resolution not in worldly understanding but in divine revelation within the sacred space of worship.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 73:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting that God's judgment, though sometimes delayed, is certain and devastating for those who oppose Him. This revelation reassures the righteous that God is indeed sovereign and just, even when appearances suggest otherwise. Furthermore, it underscores the **Transience of Wicked Prosperity**, emphasizing that the wealth and ease of the ungodly are temporary and deceptive. Their apparent security is an illusion, shattered "as in a moment," contrasting sharply with the enduring hope and stability found in drawing near to God, a theme Asaph embraces later in the psalm ([Psalms 73:28](/psalms/73-28 "Psalms 73:28 - Asaph's Conclusion: Drawing Near to God")). The verse also speaks to the **Peril of Envy**, serving as a potent warning against coveting the fleeting success of the wicked, a temptation Asaph himself nearly succumbed to.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desolation (Hebrew, _shammah'_):** The Hebrew word שַׁמָּה (_shammah_) conveys a profound sense of utter ruin, waste, and astonishment. It describes a state of complete devastation, often associated with a shocking and fearful emptiness. In this context, it signifies not merely a loss of possessions or status, but a comprehensive and terrifying destruction of their very existence or well-being, leaving them in a state of horror and bewilderment.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _tammu'_):** The KJV "utterly consumed" translates the Hebrew verb תַּמּוּ (_tammu_), derived from the root תָּמַם (_tamam_), meaning to be complete, finished, or brought to an end. It denotes a state of absolute termination or destruction. The use of this word emphasizes the finality and totality of the wicked's downfall; their end is not partial or temporary, but a complete and irreversible obliteration of their former state, leaving nothing remaining of their perceived strength or prosperity.
* **Terrors (Hebrew, _ballahot'_):: The Hebrew word בַּלָּהוֹת (_ballahot_) refers to sudden, overwhelming dread, fright, or destruction. It speaks to a profound psychological and spiritual torment, a state of being utterly overwhelmed and obliterated by fear and judgment. The root suggests a sense of melting away or being swallowed up by an intense, consuming fear, reinforcing the idea of a terrifying and inescapable end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment!":** This opening exclamation expresses Asaph's profound astonishment and horror at the suddenness and completeness of the wicked's demise. The phrase "as in a moment" highlights the instantaneous nature of their ruin, contrasting sharply with their seemingly stable and prosperous lives. It implies a divine intervention that is swift, unexpected, and utterly decisive, transforming their perceived security into a state of utter waste and emptiness.
* **"they are utterly consumed with terrors.":** This clause further elaborates on the nature of their downfall, emphasizing its totality and the accompanying psychological torment. "Utterly consumed" points to a complete and final destruction, leaving nothing behind. The addition of "with terrors" suggests that their end is not merely physical or material, but also a terrifying experience of overwhelming dread and fright. This indicates a divine judgment that impacts both their external circumstances and their inner being, a fearful and inescapable consequence of their ungodly lives.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:19 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The verse opens with an **Exclamation**, "How are they...!", which powerfully expresses the psalmist's profound shock and awe at the sudden and complete reversal of fortunes for the wicked. This rhetorical question, functioning as an exclamation, underscores the dramatic nature of the divine judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "as in a moment" and "utterly consumed," emphasizing the extreme swiftness and totality of their destruction, making the divine intervention seem almost instantaneous and absolute. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as the very prosperity and arrogance that defined the wicked's lives are revealed to be the prelude to their sudden and terrifying ruin, a stark contrast to their earlier boastful security. Finally, vivid **Imagery** of "desolation" and being "consumed with terrors" paints a powerful picture of their fearful and complete end, allowing the reader to grasp the severity and finality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's ultimate justice and the fleeting nature of worldly power and prosperity when divorced from righteousness. It serves as a stark reminder that while God's patience is immense, His judgment is certain and will manifest decisively. The temporary success of the wicked is merely a prelude to their inevitable and terrifying downfall, demonstrating that true security and lasting peace are found only in God. This understanding liberates the believer from the temptation to envy the ungodly and instead encourages steadfast trust in God's perfect timing and righteous governance of the world.

* [Proverbs 1:27](/proverbs/1-27 "Proverbs 1:27 - When Terror Comes Like a Storm")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day That Burns Like an Oven")
* [Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - They Soon Fade Like Grass")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:19 offers a crucial perspective for believers navigating a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the unrighteous appear to flourish. It calls us to resist the temptation to envy the temporary successes of those who disregard God, reminding us that their apparent stability is built on a foundation of sand. Instead, this verse encourages a deep trust in God's sovereign justice, even when His timing seems slow to our human perception. Our focus should shift from the transient allure of earthly gains to the enduring realities of God's kingdom and His righteous character. It challenges us to cultivate an eternal perspective, finding our joy and security not in worldly circumstances but in the unchanging presence and promises of God, knowing that He will ultimately set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suddenness of the wicked's downfall in this verse challenge my perception of justice in the world today?**
* **What temptations do I face to envy the prosperity of those who do not follow God, and how can this verse help me overcome them?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and ultimate justice, even when I don't see immediate consequences for unrighteousness?**

### FAQ

**Why does God allow the wicked to prosper, even temporarily, if their end is so terrifying?**

Answer: The temporary prosperity of the wicked is a complex theological issue, often referred to as the problem of theodicy. Psalms 73:19, in conjunction with the entire Psalm, suggests that God's allowance of temporary prosperity serves several purposes. Firstly, it highlights the depth of human free will and God's patience, offering opportunities for repentance. Secondly, it tests the faith of the righteous, refining their trust in God's character rather than in immediate visible rewards. Finally, as seen in this verse, it underscores the dramatic contrast with their ultimate, sudden, and terrifying judgment, making the divine justice all the more apparent. God's perspective is eternal, and what seems like prosperity in a moment of time is revealed as nothing compared to their eternal desolation.

**What does "desolation" mean in this context, and is it a physical or spiritual state?**

Answer: In Psalms 73:19, "desolation" (Hebrew: שַׁמָּה, _shammah_) signifies a state of utter ruin, waste, and astonishment. It encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. While it can imply a loss of material possessions, power, or social standing, its primary emphasis here is on a profound, terrifying emptiness and a complete shattering of their perceived security and well-being. It's a state of being overwhelmed by horror and dread, suggesting a spiritual and psychological torment that accompanies their ultimate destruction, far beyond mere physical discomfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:19, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's sudden and terrifying judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest exposition in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often speaks of temporal judgments, the New Testament reveals the eternal consequences of rejecting God, which Christ Himself embodies and declares. Jesus, the perfect embodiment of divine justice, will return not only as the Savior but also as the righteous Judge. His first coming offered grace and an escape from the "terrors" of judgment through faith in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He absorbed the desolation of sin for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin")). However, for those who refuse His offer of salvation, His second coming will bring the "desolation" and "terrors" described by Asaph to their ultimate, eternal conclusion. Passages like [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart From Me, You Cursed") speak of eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, into which the unrighteous will be cast, experiencing utter consumption and terror. Thus, the fleeting prosperity of the wicked is ultimately judged by the Lamb of God, who alone has the authority to execute divine justice, ensuring that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, either in salvation or in terrifying judgment ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Daniel 5:6

Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

Isaiah 47:11

Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, [which] thou shalt not know.

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

Job 15:21

A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

Psalms 58:9

Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in [his] wrath.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: