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Psalms 73

28 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 73 recounts the psalmist's struggle with envy toward the prosperous wicked, his turning to God in the sanctuary, and his ultimate trust in God's justice and guidance.

Summary

The psalm opens with the psalmist admitting his doubt, feeling his feet slip as he envies the prospering wicked. He describes how the wicked seem untouchable, full of pride and abundance, while he feels afflicted. In the sanctuary, he gains insight: God places the wicked in slippery positions and brings them to destruction, revealing their true end. This realization softens his heart, and he acknowledges his foolishness. The psalm concludes with a renewed trust, as the psalmist declares his confidence in God's strength, right hand, and counsel, and his desire to proclaim God's works.

Outline
  1. Envy and doubt over the prosperity of the wicked
  2. Insight gained in the sanctuary of God
  3. Renewed trust and praise in God's justice
Themes
The justice of God versus the apparent prosperity of the wickedEnvy and its effect on faithRevelation and trust through communion with God
Keywords
enviouswickedprosperitysanctuaryright handcounseljusticetrustdesolation
People
Psalmist (implied)Godthe wickedIsrael
Places
Sanctuary of Godthe heavensthe earth
Things
full cup of waterright hand of GodGod’s counselslippery placesdesolation
Key Verses
  • Psalm 73:1: Introduces the psalmist’s perspective on God’s goodness to Israel.
  • Psalm 73:3: Expresses the central problem of envy toward the wicked’s prosperity.
  • Psalm 73:17: Marks the turning point when the psalmist seeks God’s sanctuary for insight.
  • Psalm 73:24: Affirms the psalmist’s renewed confidence in God’s guidance and protection.
  • Psalm 73:27: Concludes with a declaration of God’s ultimate victory over the ungodly.
Questions
  • What does the psalmist’s envy reveal about his relationship with God before the sanctuary experience?
  • How does the image of the wicked being in 'slippery places' challenge common perceptions of prosperity?
  • In what ways does the psalmist’s trust in God’s right hand and counsel transform his view of the world?
  • What practical lessons can believers draw from this psalm when facing injustice or suffering?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm moves from doubt and envy to renewed trust, reflecting a journey from confusion to hope.