Through My Bible Yr 02 – June 08

Psalms 73

Through My Bible – June 08

Psalms 73 (EHV)

See series: Through My Bible

Book III
Psalms 73–89

Psalm 73

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Heading

A psalm by Asaph. [1]

The Problem

1Ā Surely God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
2Ā But as for me, my feet almost slipped out from under me.
I almost lost my footing. [2]
3Ā I even envied the arrogant when I observed the peace of the wicked.

The Prosperity of the Wicked

4Ā For there are no struggles at their death.
Their bodies are sturdy.
5Ā They do not have the trouble common to people.
They are not plagued along with the rest of mankind.
6Ā Therefore pride is their necklace.
They wear violence like clothing.
7Ā Their eyes bulge out of their fat. [3]
The schemes of their hearts step over boundaries.
8Ā They mock. They speak maliciously.
From a high perch they threaten oppression.
9Ā They set their mouths against the heavens.
Their tongues strut around on earth.
10Ā Therefore God’s people turn to them,
and they drink it all in. [4]
11Ā They say, ā€œHow can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?ā€
12Ā See, this is what the wicked are like—
secure forever, they increase in strength.

The Turning Point

13Ā Have I really kept my heart pure for nothing?
Have I kept my hands clean in vain?
14Ā I have been plagued all day.
My punishment comes every morning.
15Ā If I had said, ā€œI will speak like this,ā€
I would certainly have betrayed the circle of your children.
16Ā When I tried to understand this, it was very troubling to me,
17Ā until I went to the sanctuary of God.
Then I understood their end.

The Solution

18Ā Surely you place them on slippery places.
You cause them to fall into destruction.
19Ā How quickly they come to ruin,
completely destroyed by terrors!
20Ā They are like a dream when someone wakes up.
So when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them like an illusion.
21Ā Yes, my heart was bitter,
and I was torn up inside.
22Ā I was unthinking and ignorant.
I was a dumb animal before you.
23Ā Yet I am always with you.
You hold me by my right hand.
24Ā With your guidance you lead me,
and afterward, you will take me to glory.
25Ā Who else is there for me in heaven?
And besides you, I desire no one else on earth.
26Ā My flesh and my heart fail,
but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.
27Ā No doubt about it!
Those who are far from you will perish.
You destroy all who commit adultery against you.
28Ā As for me, God’s nearness is good for me.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so that I can tell about all your works.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 73:1 Asaph was a temple musician associated with David. Psalms 73–83 are a collection by Asaph.
  2. Psalm 73:2 Literally the verse reads I, almost my feet were stretched out, my steps were nearly poured out.
  3. Psalm 73:7 The translation is a literal rendering of the Hebrew. The Greek reads guilt flows from their fat hearts.
  4. Psalm 73:10 The meaning of this verse is not certain. Literally the Hebrew reads therefore his people turn to them, and they guzzle down waters in abundance.

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage VersionĀ®, EHVĀ®, Ā© 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.