Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 73

Overview

• Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph, a musician and prophet from the era of David and Solomon.
• The Psalm explores the seeming contradiction between the prosperity of the wicked and the goodness of God to the pure-hearted.
• The structure is organized around the shift in perspective using pronouns:
  • They: Describing the wicked
  • I: Asaph's own struggle and realization
  • You: Addressing God and finding resolution
  • Mix of You and I: Assurance of faith

A. The Problem Presented

1. The Contradiction (Verses 1-3)

• God's Goodness to the Pure: Asaph begins with an acknowledgment of God's goodness to Israel and the pure in heart.
• Personal Struggle: Asaph admits envy upon witnessing the prosperity of the wicked, leading to near spiritual stumbling.
• Perceived Injustice: The prosperity of the boastful and wicked seems contradictory to God's goodness.

2. The Good Life of the Wicked (Verses 4-9)

• Peaceful Death and Firm Strength: The wicked often experience peaceful deaths and stable lives.
• Lack of Trouble: They seem free from common human troubles, leading to pride and arrogance.
• Public Blasphemy: Their prosperity leads to a proud and blasphemous attitude.

3. The Doubts of the Godly (Verses 10-14)

• Questioning God's Knowledge: The wicked question God's awareness and justice.
• The Frustration of Righteousness: Asaph feels his efforts to be pure are in vain as he faces continuous struggles.

B. The Problem Understood

1. The Power of a New Perspective (Verses 15-17)

• Silencing Despair: Asaph refrains from outwardly expressing his despair to avoid misleading others.
• Epiphany in the Sanctuary: In God's sanctuary, Asaph gains an eternal perspective, understanding the ultimate end of the wicked.

2. The Unsafe Place of the Wicked (Verses 18-20)

• Illusion of Security: The wicked are actually in precarious positions despite apparent prosperity.
• Sudden Destruction: Their downfall is sudden and inevitable when viewed from an eternal perspective.

3. Confessing Foolishness and Receiving Guidance (Verses 21-24)

• Confession of Ignorance: Asaph admits to foolishness before understanding God's justice.
• Divine Guidance: Recognizes continuous guidance from God and expects to be received into glory.

4. The Glory of a Heavenly Hope (Verses 25-28)

• Heavenly Focus: Asaph finds his ultimate desire and strength in God alone.
• Earthly Weakness, Divine Strength: Acknowledges human frailty and the enduring strength of God as his portion.
• Assurance of Judgment: Confirms the fate of those far from God and reaffirms trust in God.
• Proclamation of God's Works: Asaph resolves to declare God’s works, inspired by the clarity gained through divine perspective.

Conclusion

• Asaph's journey from doubt to understanding highlights the importance of an eternal perspective.
• The psalm reassures believers of the ultimate justice and goodness of God despite temporary worldly contradictions.