RRB notes on Psalm 73

Psalms 73 KJV

A Psalm of Asaph.

1. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [1]

[1] Verses 2-15 are excellent devotional material for anybody to ponder. It deals with Job’s theme, “Why Do the Righteous Suffer?” In this case, it deals with the question asked in Job 21:7. The conclusion the psalmist reaches in verses 17-18 is the same conclusion that is found in Job 18:5, 21:17, 34:26, etc.

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

5. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? [a]

[a] Job 21:14-15, 22:13-17.

12. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. [b]

[b] Just like Job (Job 30:15-16).

15. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [c] against the generation of thy children. [d]

[c] In Job’s case, he says it and offends them (Job 9:23-24, 10:3, 12:4, 6).

[d] Psa. 22:30; Isa. 53:8.

16. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

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

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

20. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, [2] thou shalt despise their image.

[2] In this dispensation, the Lord is pictured as resting, with Jesus Christ seated at His right hand (Mark 12:36, 16:19; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3). At the Second Advent, He is spoken of as waking up and roaring (Isa. 42:14, 51:9; Psa. 78:65; Song of Sol. 2:7, 8:4) to “clean house” on the rich men (vs. 12 cf. James 5:1-8) and their “king of pride” (vs. 6 cf. Job 41:34) who worship his “image” (Dan. 3:1-7; Rev. 13:11-18).

21. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.