Psalms 73:4

For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.

For there are no bands {H2784} in their death {H4194}: but their strength {H193} is firm {H1277}.

For when their death comes, it is painless; and meanwhile, their bodies are healthy;

They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.

For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.

Commentary

Psalms 73:4 captures a pivotal observation by the Psalmist Asaph, contributing to his deep spiritual struggle recounted in this wisdom psalm. He observes the seemingly undisturbed lives and peaceful deaths of the wicked, which initially causes him to question God's justice.

Context

Psalm 73 belongs to the collection of Psalms attributed to Asaph, a chief musician in David's time. The psalm begins with Asaph confessing God's goodness (Psalms 73:1), but quickly reveals his personal crisis of faith. He admits his feet had almost slipped because he envied the arrogant and saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:2-3). Verse 4 is part of his detailed description of this unsettling phenomenon: the wicked appear to live free from trouble and die without pain, contrasting sharply with the suffering of the righteous.

Key Themes

  • The Apparent Ease of the Wicked's Demise: The phrase "no bands in their death" suggests that the wicked do not experience the agonizing pains, struggles, or spiritual torments often associated with dying. They seem to pass away peacefully, without the suffering that might be expected as a consequence of their unrighteous lives.
  • Unwavering Physical Strength and Prosperity: "Their strength is firm" highlights their robust health and vigor throughout their lives. They are not afflicted by the common troubles or weaknesses that often plague humanity, appearing healthy, strong, and unburdened by illness or hardship. This further fuels Asaph's envy and confusion.
  • A Challenge to Divine Justice: Asaph's observation in this verse, and indeed the entire first half of the psalm, poses a profound question about God's justice. If the wicked prosper and die peacefully, while the righteous suffer, where is the fairness of God? This dilemma is only resolved when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God and gains an eternal perspective (Psalms 73:17).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "no bands in their death" translates the Hebrew word charsubbot (ื—ึทืจึฐืฆึปื‘ึผื•ึนืช), which can mean "pangs," "fetters," or "bonds." In this context, it refers to the absence of severe pain or agonizing struggles leading up to death. It paints a picture of a smooth, untroubled transition. The word "firm" (ื‘ึผึธืจึดื™ื - bari) in "their strength is firm" means healthy, fat, or robust, emphasizing their physical well-being and lack of decline.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets up the problem that Asaph grapples with throughout the psalm. The resolution to his dilemma comes later in the psalm when he recognizes the ultimate end of the wicked, whose prosperity is fleeting and whose destruction is sudden (Psalms 73:18-19). This theme of the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity is also echoed in other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 24:20, which states that "the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."

Practical Application

Psalm 73:4 speaks to a common human experience: the struggle to reconcile the apparent prosperity of the ungodly with the suffering of the righteous. This verse reminds us that outward appearances can be deceiving and that our perspective must extend beyond the temporal. Believers are encouraged not to envy the temporary ease of the wicked, but to trust in God's ultimate justice and His eternal plan. Our true blessedness is found in drawing near to God, regardless of our circumstances, for He is our strength and portion forever (Psalms 73:26).

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Cross-References

  • Job 21:23

    One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

  • Job 21:24

    His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

  • Psalms 17:10

    They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

  • Luke 16:22

    And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

  • Job 24:20

    The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:16

    For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool.

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.
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