Psalms 73

Pss 73–75 The apparent prosperity of the wicked (Ps 73) and God’s apparent rejection of his people (Ps 74) raise questions about his justice. God is sovereign over the whole world, and he determines the time for judgment (Ps 75).Ps 73 This wisdom psalm examines the injustice of the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist affirms that God is good to the godly but his own experience differs (73:2-12). Nearly overcome by his doubts (73:13-16), the psalmist meets the Lord in the sanctuary and gains a perspective that stretches beyond his life and renews his confidence in God (73:17-26). His disturbing doubts stir a greater passion for truth. He knows that he can trust God and that God will rescue him (73:27-28).73:title Asaph was a Levitical singer appointed by David (1 Chr 6:39); his descendants were singers and instrumentalists (1 Chr 15:16-17). Many of the psalms of Asaph (Pss 50, 73–83) were probably written by Asaph’s descendants at a later time in Israel’s history (e.g., Ps 74).73:1 People whose hearts are pure are renewed by God’s Spirit (51:10), commit themselves to lives of godliness, keep away from anything that is sinful, and enjoy God’s presence (see 24:3-4).

73:2-3 The poet sees the prosperity of the wicked as unfair (see 72:7) and resents it. • The psalmist’s feet were slipping from the way of wisdom and godliness (see 17:5; 37:31), but God kept him from falling off the trail entirely (38:16; 66:9; 94:18; 121:3). • when I saw them prosper: Cp. 72:3, 7.

73:4-12 The psalmist presents a caricature of the bliss of the wicked (cp. Ps 1).

73:6 The proud adorn themselves with pride and cruelty rather than wisdom (Prov 1:9).

73:9 The proud boast, claiming that they own everything and are not subject to anyone (see 2:1-3).

73:13-17 Recognizing the ramifications of his discouragement and doubt, the psalmist turns to the Lord and receives special insight.73:13-14 These rhetorical questions expect a discouraging “yes” for an answer. The psalmist wonders if godliness has become a meaningless ritual (see Mal 3:14-15). • My heart refers to his whole being. • The psalmist’s pain comes from discipline and rebuke (Ps 39:11; Prov 1:23, 25; 12:1).

73:15-16 If the psalmist had verbalized his suspicions about the futility of godly living, he would have discouraged God’s people and given God’s enemies an opportunity to blaspheme (cp. John 13:20). Instead, the psalmist internalizes the problem and reflects on it.

73:17-20 At this time, God’s sanctuary was the Temple in Jerusalem. There, in God’s presence, the psalmist receives special insight (cp. 18:6). • God deals with the wicked over the long term. He waits patiently and gives them time to repent (Ezek 33:11; 2 Pet 3:9); those who do not repent will get what they deserve.

73:21-22 The psalmist’s feelings about the prosperity of the wicked had given him a bitter spirit.

73:24 The Lord leads the godly through their troubles and changes their misery into splendor.

73:25-26 Nothing in heaven or on earth is better than being near God.