(1) Overview
(NET) Psalm 73. In this wisdom psalm the psalmist offers a personal testimony of his struggle with the age-old problem of the prosperity of the wicked. As he observed evil men prosper, he wondered if a godly lifestyle really pays off. In the midst of his discouragement, he reflected upon spiritual truths and realities. He was reminded that the prosperity of the wicked is only temporary. God will eventually vindicate his people.
(2) Structure
(EBC)
A. Experience and Belief (vv. 1–3)B. Prosperity of the Wicked (vv. 4–12)
C. Personal Reaction (vv. 13–17)
D. Affirmation of God’s Justice (vv. 18–20)
C′. Evaluation of the Psalmist’s Reaction (vv. 21–22)
B′. The Desire of the Godly (vv. 23–26)
A′. Experience and Hope (vv. 27–28)
(3) Seemingly contradiction
73:1 Certainly God is good to Israel,
and to those whose motives are pure!
v.3b I observed the prosperity of the wicked
73:13 I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle.
What is the relationship of being godly and whether we will have a good life free of suffering? (NET v.2) As he began to question God’s justice, the psalmist came close to abandoning his faith.
and maintained a pure lifestyle.
What is the relationship of being godly and whether we will have a good life free of suffering? (NET v.2) As he began to question God’s justice, the psalmist came close to abandoning his faith.
I always heard that people are not afraid of dead, but they mind if they suffer any pain. The word, pain, in v.4 refers to (NET) pain and suffering that restricts one’s enjoyment of life. I think most people would be envy to the wicked for v.5
73:5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;
they do not suffer as other men do.
Reflection: This psalm reminds me not to equate the blessing from God with trouble-free life. If trouble-free, suffering-free life is our goal and we come to God only to get these then they become our "god." The true God is only our tool to get there.
they do not suffer as other men do.
Reflection: This psalm reminds me not to equate the blessing from God with trouble-free life. If trouble-free, suffering-free life is our goal and we come to God only to get these then they become our "god." The true God is only our tool to get there.
(4) Turning the focus from the prosperity now and the destiny
73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,
and understood the destiny of the wicked.
and understood the destiny of the wicked.
73:20a They are like a dream after one wakes up.
(EBC) ...the wicked will be judged “suddenly” and “completely" (NET) They lack any real substance; their prosperity will last for only a brief time.
(5) Using the destiny the author evaluate the time on earth now
(5) Using the destiny the author evaluate the time on earth now
73:24a You guide me by your wise advice,
73:25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
73:25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
I desire no one but you on earth.
73:28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. [“but as for me, the nearness of God for me [is] good.”]
I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter,
as I declare all the things you have done.
(NET) The psalmist uses a merism (heaven/earth) to emphasize that God is the sole object of his desire and worship in the entire universe.
Reflection: Instead of feeling bitter for not having a life as good as the wicked the author thank God for His wise advice. Now, the author sees that destiny is important and with the presence of God, the final Judge, in our life is all we need. May we all have this wisdom.
Audrey
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