Psalm 73:2-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 73:5

They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men (comp. Job 21:8-10 ). There is, no doubt, something of Oriental hyperbole in this representation, as there is in the account given by Job ( l . s.c. ), which he afterwards qualifies ( Job 27:13-23 ). But still a certain immunity from suffering does seem often to attach to the wicked man, whom God does not chasten, because chastening would be of no service to him. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 73:5-6

Much ease, much peril. That is the teaching of these verses, and of innumerable Scriptures besides (see Psalms 55:19 ; Jeremiah 48:11 ). Thus— I. GOD IS EVER TEACHING US THIS TRUTH . 1 . In his Word. See also Hebrew 12, and the biographies of God's people in all ages. The history of the Church as given in Scripture abundantly reveals God's merciful law of change. 2 . By analogy. God suffers nothing to be without change. Even the rocks and hills, the solid... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 73:2

But as for me - literally, “And I.” The meaning is, “And I, who so confidently now trust in God, and believe that he is good, was formerly in a far different state of mind; I was so hesitating, so troubled, and so doubtful, that I had almost entirely lost confidence in him as a wise and just moral governor.”My feet were almost gone - I was just ready to fall. Of course, this refers to his state of mind. In regard to his faith or confidence in God, he was like a man standing in a slippery place,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 73:3

For I was envious at the foolish - The word “foolish” here refers to sinners. It may either refer to them as foolish, or as proud, insolent, vain - for so the word is elsewhere used. See Psalms 14:1.When I saw the prosperity of the wicked - More literally, “the peace of the wicked.” The reference is not so much to their prosperity in general as to their peace; their conscious safety; their freedom from trouble; and especially their calmness, and their freedom from suffering, in death. From all... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 73:4

For there are no bands in their death - The word rendered “bands” here means properly “cords tightly drawn,” Isaiah 58:6; then, pains, pangs, torments - “as if” one were twisted or tortured with pain, as a cord is closely twisted. The word occurs only in Isaiah 58:6, and in this place. The fact which is here referred to by the psalmist, and which gave him so much uneasiness, was that which so often occurs, that when the wicked die, they do not seem to suffer in proportion to their wickedness;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 73:5

They are not in trouble as other men - Margin, “In the trouble of other men.” Literally, “In the labor of man they are not;” that is, they are exempt from the common burdens and troubles of humanity, or those which pertain to man as man. There seems to be some special interposition in their favor to save them from the common calamities which come upon the race.Neither are they plagued like other men - Margin, “with.” Literally, “And with mankind they are not afflicted,” or smitten. The... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 73:2-3

Psalms 73:2-3. But as for me Yet I must acknowledge with grief and shame, concerning myself, that notwithstanding all my knowledge of this truth, and my own experience and observation of God’s dealings with me and other good men; my feet were almost gone My faith in God’s promises and providence was almost overthrown by the force of temptation; and I was almost ready to repent of my piety, Psalms 73:13, and to follow the example of ungodly men. My steps had well nigh slipped Hebrew,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 73:4

Psalms 73:4. For there are no bands in their death They are not violently dragged to an untimely death, either by the hand and sentence of the magistrate, which yet they deserve, or by any sudden and unexpected stroke of Divine Providence, like the fruit forced from the tree before it is ripe, but are left to hang on, till, through old age, they gently drop off themselves. Hebrew, אין חרצבות , een chartzuboth, There are no pangs, anguish, or agonies, in their death; they are not afflicted... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 73:5-9

Psalms 73:5-9. They are not in trouble as other men They escape even common calamities. Therefore pride compasseth them about Discovers itself on every side, in their countenances, speech, behaviour. Their eyes stand out with fatness They live in great plenty and prosperity. They are corrupt Dissolute and licentious, letting loose the reins to all manner of wickedness. And speak wickedly concerning oppression Wickedly boasting of their oppressions; either of what they have done, or... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 73:1-28

Psalms 73:0 Why do the wicked prosper?Asaph had a problem that almost caused him to give up the life of devotion to God. If God was a God of goodness who helped the righteous and opposed the wicked, why did worthless people prosper while Asaph suffered want (1-3)?It seemed to Asaph that the wicked enjoyed lives of ease and plenty, then died peacefully without suffering. Yet their lives had been characterized by pride, cruelty, greed, trickery, scorn, oppression and boasting (4-9). Some of the... read more

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