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— read more
Asaph began this psalm by affirming God’s goodness to His people, specifically those whose hearts are pure because they seek to follow God faithfully (Psalms 73:1). This verse provides the key to the psalm by highlighting attitude as most important. Purity of heart means being totally committed to God. References to the heart appear in Psalms 73:1; Psalms 73:7; Psalms 73:13; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 73:26 (twice). One writer referred to this psalm as a meditation on the heart. [Note: Martin Buber,... read more
1. The present prosperity of the wicked 73:1-14 read more
III. BOOK 3: CHS. 73-89A man or men named Asaph wrote 11 of the psalms in this book (Psalms 73-83). Other writers were the sons of Korah (Psalms 84-85, 87), David (Psalms 86), Heman (Psalms 88), and Ethan (Psalms 89). Asaph, Heman, and Ethan were musicians from the tribe of Levi who were contemporaries of David. Book 3 of the Psalter has been called its "dark book." [Note: Waltke, p. 886.] Psalms 73In this psalm, Asaph related his inner mental struggle when he compared his life, as one... read more
The writer next described the ways the wicked behave. They seem more carefree (Psalms 73:4-5), proud and violent (Psalms 73:6), as well as unrestrained (Psalms 73:7). They speak proudly (Psalms 73:8-9), lead others after themselves (Psalms 73:10), and act as if God does not care how they live (Psalms 73:11; cf. Psalms 94:7). With few cares, they continue to prosper (Psalms 73:12; cf. Psalms 73:4-5). read more
This, like Psalms 37, 49, and the book of Job, deals with the perplexing problempresented to thoughtful minds by the prosperity of the wicked and the sufferings of the righteous. The Psalmist has been deeply exercised by this question (Psalms 73:2-14), and after struggling with doubt (Psalms 73:15-16) has learned in the sanctuary of God to understand the end of the wicked (Psalms 73:17-20), and to repent of his own unbelieving thoughts (Psalms 73:21-22). He has found rest in the conviction that... read more
Book 3There are two groups of Pss. in this book, Psalms 73-83 being Psalms of Asaph, and Psalms 84-88 (except 86) Psalms of the Sons of Korah. The likeness of the title of Psalms 89 to that of Psalms 88 suggests that it belongs to the same group. The Sons of Asaph and the Sons of Korah were guilds of singers connected with the second Temple (2 Chronicles 20:19; Ezra 2:41; Nehemiah 7:44), and these groups of Pss. belong to collections made by them for the Temple services.The Psalms of Asaph,... read more
(2) Slipped.—Literally, were poured out. This metaphor for weakness and instability is obvious. Comp.“Dissolvuntur enim turn demum membra fluuntque.”LUCRETIUS, iv. 920. read more
(3) Foolish.—Better, arrogant.When I saw.—Perhaps the conjunction is wrongly supplied, and the word “saw” here is synonymous with “envied” in the first clause. (Comp. Latin invideo.) read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 73:2
2. The figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (compare Psalms 22:5; Psalms 62:3). read more