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Psalms 73:19

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

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

How suddenly they are destroyed, swept away by terrors!

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 73:19 KJV is a powerful verse from the Psalm of Asaph, articulating a profound shift in the psalmist's perspective regarding the prosperity of the wicked.

Context

Psalm 73 begins with Asaph confessing his struggle and near stumble as he observed the arrogant and prosperous wicked, seemingly living without trouble while the righteous suffered (Psalms 73:2-12). His understanding changed dramatically when he "went into the sanctuary of God" (Psalms 73:17). It was there that he gained divine insight into their ultimate destiny. Verse 19 describes the terrifying and sudden nature of the judgment that awaits those who live in opposition to God, despite their temporary success.

Key Themes

  • Sudden and Utter Destruction: The verse emphasizes the swiftness and completeness of the wicked's downfall. Their apparent security is an illusion, shattered "as in a moment." This highlights the fragility of worldly power and wealth when not aligned with God's will.
  • Divine Justice: After pondering the seeming injustice of the world, Asaph realizes that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain and devastating. The wicked are not merely brought low but "utterly consumed with terrors," indicating a complete and fearful end. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate vengeance.
  • The Fleeting Nature of Wicked Prosperity: The prosperity of the ungodly is temporary and deceptive. It leads not to lasting peace but to sudden desolation and terror, contrasting sharply with the enduring hope of the righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey a vivid picture of destruction. "Desolation" comes from the Hebrew word שַׁמָּה (*shammah*), which signifies utter ruin, waste, astonishment, and horror. It's a state of complete devastation. The phrase "consumed with terrors" uses בַּלָּהוֹת (*ballahot*), which refers to sudden, overwhelming dread, fright, or destruction. The root suggests melting away or being swallowed up, reinforcing the idea of being utterly overwhelmed and obliterated by fear and judgment. Together, these terms paint a picture of a sudden, irreversible, and terrifying end.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 73:19 offers a crucial perspective:

  • Do Not Envy the Wicked: This verse serves as a strong warning against envying the temporary success or ease of those who disregard God. Their end is far from desirable.
  • Trust God's Timing: It encourages patience and trust in God's perfect timing and ultimate plan for justice. Even when it seems the wicked are getting away with their deeds, their judgment is assured and will come swiftly.
  • Focus on Eternal Values: It shifts our focus from transient earthly gains to eternal truths and the lasting hope found in drawing near to God. As Asaph concludes later in the Psalm, "But it is good for me to draw near to God."
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 5:6 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Job 20:5 (3 votes)

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

  • Job 15:21 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 58:9 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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