Psalms 73:2

Context

Psalm 73 is a profound wisdom psalm penned by Asaph, one of King David's chief musicians. This particular verse, Psalms 73:2, serves as a raw and honest confession of the psalmist's spiritual crisis. Asaph begins by admitting his near-fall from faith, a moment of deep doubt and envy that arose from observing the apparent prosperity and ease of the wicked, while he, a righteous man, experienced affliction. This verse sets the stage for the entire psalm, which chronicles his struggle, his eventual understanding, and his renewed commitment to God. It highlights a common human experience: the temptation to doubt God's justice when circumstances seem unfair.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Stumbling and Near Apostasy: The primary theme is the psalmist's admission that his faith was severely shaken, to the point of nearly abandoning his spiritual path. This reflects the fragility of faith when confronted with perplexing realities.
• Doubt and Envy: Asaph's near-fall was fueled by envy of the ungodly, who seemed to thrive without consequence, leading him to question the value of his own righteousness. This internal struggle is a central element of the psalm.
• Honest Confession: The psalm starts not with praise or lament, but with a candid revelation of inner turmoil. This transparency encourages believers to acknowledge their own doubts and struggles before God.
• The Peril of Perspective: Asaph's slipping steps were a result of his limited, earthly perspective, focusing only on outward appearances rather than God's ultimate plan and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped" powerfully conveys a sense of imminent collapse. The Hebrew original uses vivid imagery:

• "My feet were almost gone" is from the Hebrew `kāmoṭū raglāy` (כמעטו רגלי), meaning "my feet tottered" or "had almost swerved." It implies a loss of balance and stability, a near-fall.
• "My steps had well nigh slipped" translates `ʾaššuray hiṭṭū` (אשורי נטו), which means "my steps had inclined," "turned aside," or "were almost overthrown." This reinforces the idea of deviation from the right path, suggesting a moral or spiritual lapse was imminent.

Together, these phrases depict a precarious spiritual state, where the psalmist was on the brink of abandoning his faith and turning away from God's ways due to his inner turmoil and misperception.

Practical Application

Asaph's experience in Psalm 73:2 offers profound lessons for believers today:

• Admitting Doubt is Okay: It validates the human experience of doubt and spiritual struggle. It's not a sign of weakness to admit when your faith is tested, but a step towards honest engagement with God.
• Beware of Envy: Comparing our circumstances with others, especially the seemingly prosperous wicked, can be a dangerous trap that leads to resentment and doubt.
• God Sustains: Even when our steps feel like they are slipping, God's grace and truth can prevent a complete fall. This verse highlights that Asaph *almost* slipped, but did not completely fall, indicating a divine preservation. The Lord's faithfulness ensures we are not utterly forsaken, even when our faith is tested, echoing the promise that He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.
• Seek God's Perspective: Asaph's resolution came when he entered the sanctuary of God and understood their end (Psalm 73:17). When our spiritual footing feels unstable, seeking God through prayer, worship, and Scripture is crucial for gaining divine perspective and stability, reminding us that the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.

Reflection

This verse is a powerful reminder that spiritual journeys are rarely linear. Moments of profound doubt and near-failure are part of the human condition, even for those deeply committed to God. Asaph's honesty provides comfort and encourages us to bring our whole selves, including our struggles, before the Lord. His journey from near-slip to renewed faith offers hope and a roadmap for navigating our own moments of spiritual uncertainty.