Bible Commentaries
Psalms 73

Introduction

PSALM 73

:-. Of Asaph—(see :-). God is good to His people. For although the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, tempted the Psalmist to misgivings of God's government, yet the sudden and fearful ruin of the ungodly, seen in the light of God's revelation, reassures his heart; and, chiding himself for his folly, he is led to confide renewedly in God, and celebrate His goodness and love.

Verse 1

1. The abrupt announcement of the theme indicates that it is the conclusion of a perplexing mental conflict, which is then detailed (compare :-).

Truly—or, "Surely it is so."

clean heart— ( :-) describes the true Israel.

Verse 2

2. The figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (compare Psalms 22:5; Psalms 62:3).

Verse 3

3-9. The prosperous wicked are insolently proud (compare Psalms 5:5). They die, as well as live, free from perplexities: pride adorns them, and violence is their clothing; indeed they are inflated with unexpected success. With all this—

Verse 8

8. They are corrupt—or, literally, "they deride," they speak maliciously and arrogantly and invade even heaven with blasphemy ( :-), and cover earth with slanders ( :-).

Verse 9

3-9. The prosperous wicked are insolently proud (compare Psalms 5:5). They die, as well as live, free from perplexities: pride adorns them, and violence is their clothing; indeed they are inflated with unexpected success. With all this—

Verse 10

10-12. Hence God's people are confounded, turned hither (or back) and thither, perplexed with doubts of God's knowledge and care, and filled with sorrow.

Verse 12

12. prosper in the word—literally, "secure for ever."

Verse 13

13, 14. The Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried.

Verse 15

15. Freed from idiomatic phrases, this verse expresses a supposition, as, "Had I thus spoken, I should," &c., intimating that he had kept his troubles to himself.

generation of thy children—Thy people (1 John 3:1).

offend—literally, "deceive, mislead."

Verse 16

16, 17. Still he—

thought—literally, "studied," or, "pondered this riddle"; but in vain; it remained a toil (compare Margin), till he—

Verse 17

17. went into the sanctuary—to enquire (compare Exodus 25:22; Psalms 5:7; Psalms 27:4).

Verse 18

18-20. their end—future (Psalms 37:37; Psalms 37:38), which is dismal and terribly sudden (Proverbs 1:27; Proverbs 29:1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstantial dream, so God, waking up to judgment (Psalms 7:6; Psalms 44:23), despises their vain shadow of happiness (Psalms 39:6; Isaiah 29:7). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces (Isaiah 29:7- :).

Verse 21

21, 22. He confesses how—

foolish—literally, "stupid," and

ignorant—literally, "not discerning," had been his course of thought.

Verse 22

22. before thee—literally, "with Thee," in conduct respecting Thee.

Verse 23

23. Still he was with God, as a dependent beneficiary, and so kept from falling ( :-).

Verse 24

24. All doubts are silenced in confidence of divine guidance and future glory.

receive me to glory—literally, "take for (me) glory" (compare Psalms 68:18; Ephesians 4:8).

Verse 25

25, 26. God is his only satisfying good.

Verse 26

26. strength—literally, "rock" (Psalms 18:2).

portion— (Psalms 16:5; Lamentations 3:24).

Verse 27

27, 28. The lot of apostates, described by a figure of frequent use (Jeremiah 3:1; Jeremiah 3:3; Ezekiel 23:35), is contrasted with his, who finds happiness in nearness to God (Ezekiel 23:35- :), and his delightful work the declaration of His praise.