▣ "That I may tell of all Your works" It is crucial that faithful followers communicate what God has done for them. I will not quote all because I dare not even type out everything he said, but one of the least offensive in his quote is that God is a “capriciously malevolent bully” and a “homophobic racist.” His net worth is probably at least $10 million. The Tyndale Commentary by Derek Kidner (p. 289, footnote #2) agrees with the RSV, which changes "in their death," למותם, into two words, תם למו, which results in "no pains for them, sound and sleek in their body."
They speak from on high. At the same time we must realize that we too are weak sometimes. How do we see prayer changing his feelings and attitude as you go through this chapter?
What would you say to Asaph if he were here now?
They “have set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue parades through the earth.” Verbally they mock God and speak out against Him. These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. 2. Asaph’s description reminds us of Jesus’ parable about the rich fool, who did not know that he was about to die and all of the things so carefully stored up would avail him nothing. This is not the world God intended it to be. Richard Dawkins for example has said some exceedingly arrogant and evil things against God. How does Ps.
LXX"Their injustice will go forth as though from fat" Some scholars classify this Psalm as a "Wisdom Psalm," but this phrase implies it is a "Thanksgiving Psalm." confine them exclusively to God. 1 Chr. I. Application: We should echo the thoughts in the song “More Precious Than Silver.”, “Lord, You are more precious than silver. Many people look at religion as a means of gaining wealth. Finally he repented. JPSOA"Fat shuts out their eyes". God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”, 1. It is a modified form of "Progressive Theism" from Alfred North Whitehead. 2. Among the Psalms are two collections of Levitical Psalms, one is ascribed to the "sons of Korah" (Psalms 42-49), the other is ascribed to Asaph (Psalms 73-83 and Psalms 50). ", 3. Seeing them seemingly escape justice and be rewarded for their sins made Asaph jealous in that a part of him wanted to the same easy life which they had. In verses 23-24, Asaph recommits himself to the Lord. 73:13 "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure" This reflects the psalmist's doubt about the goodness and fairness of God mixed with a "poor me" attitude. His acceptance eternally (see note at Ps.
NASB"close" These come from a proper relationship with God, nothing else. All of their hopes, dreams, and fantasies seem to come true. Psalm 73 - ESV: Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. A lot of wicked people are successful. In short, Asaph says that “God is enough” for him. 3. He will fix it eventually (i.e., New Age), 2. He is with us in the midst of it (cf. 1. 3. 4. Who are "the wicked" described in Ps. Rom. In the OT, to support monotheism, there is only one causality (cf. 73:11. He rebuked himself and wouldn’t speak his concerns out loud –. The LXX supplies "with. Asaph saw many like Richard Dawkins spouting off with their mouth and only raking in more money. Asaph felt that he did what was right for nothing –, See verse 13. Do we see similar cases of the wicked prospering now? Money is but for a moment.
19How they are destroyed in a moment! 17Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
He was thinking in lines of what he “could get” from his actions. Asaph practiced self-control and he would go to the right place to deal with his feelings, namely to the Lord. What observations does Asaph make about the character of the wicked? . 6:7 online). Possibly he had neglected this during his struggle. When The Sun Finally Rises: Wrestling With The Past (Gen. 32:22-32), 2. Ps. Like Asaph, prayer is a good first step. 22Then I was senseless and ignorant; NKJV, NRSV, This text, however, may not be one of them. Discussion questions to encourage interaction. The wicked will face judgment (16-22) IV. ▣ "pure in heart" This reflects one's attitudes and motives (cf. "It is used metaphorically of pain and suffering that restricts one's enjoyment of life" (p. 941). But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; Therefore the people turn and praise them, If I had said, “I will talk on in this way,”. Ps. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. Was it really like this or was Asaph imagining things? "fetters" or "bonds" - Isa. The sins of the wicked were evident. This is the opposite of Ps. JPSOA"image" This Bible study on Psalms 73 contains outlines, extensive cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, lessons to learn, and applications. 6. Asaph is astounded by the success of the wicked (4-15) III.
The purpose of the OT was to show humanity their rebellion and sin (cf. Visit our inductive Bible studies for more studies on this and other books of the Bible. 73:10 was a quote from the wicked Israelites), 2. the wicked consume every good thing they can, 3. the followers of the wicked believe everything they say (NIDOTTE, vol. They change "he will bring back his people" (MT) to "they will be filled with food," which seems to be a better parallel to the next line. Everything seemed to bounce their way and they jumped from one success to another. And always at ease, they have increased in wealth. Psalms E-book – Our Study Psalms Bible study guide e-book contains full lessons on 9 select chapters and is downloadable for use on any device. 5. Lord, You are more costly than gold. 4:12; 9:1). NJB"on the point of", This reflects the Hebrew adverb BDB 589. It doesn’t help to try to deny the feelings you are having. Knowledge is good but trust is better! Asaph was was a descendant of Gershom of the tribe of Levi. 73:23-24. 2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped. The underlying assumption is that God allows that which should be judged! And fatness was generally a sign of wealth, a person who could afford to eat whatever they wanted. The concept of God awakening from sleep or rising from His throne to act is used in the OT as figurative language to denote the mystery of Deity's apparent inactivity or/and the unfairness of worldly events. 7:14; Isa. Ezra 3:11; Ps. This is where "faithful followers" must remember we live in a fallen world.
"heaven" (BDB 1029, see two Special Topic: Heaven and SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN and the Third Heaven) is mentioned in Ps. If we ever realize that we have gone over the line, we need to immediately repent.
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. ▣ "I perceived their end" Revelation came and his eyes were opened to the big picture—he took the long look, both in time and beyond time. Like Habakkuk did before, when we take our questions to God, we can find answers and calm assurance in God’s ultimate goodness.
.the prosperity of the wicked" This world is unfair. 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1,29; 136:1; Jer. 1. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive. When we face those moments, we should get help. 3:23). Instead you should seek to have these resolved in a correct way. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. Real believers can have real doubts or struggles – Followers of God are not robots. 73:26. The AB in Psalms by Mitchell Dahood finds many Hebrew words and idioms that, because of Ugaritic usage may be imagery for the nether world. NKJC, NJB, and afterward you will receive me with honor. He was on the very verge of losing his confidence, trust, assurance, and peace with God. However, the idiom takes on the wider connotation of "godly living" (cf. Verse 24 – With Your counsel You will guide me. The good news is, 1.
However, he still did take these to the Lord and received an answer. when our confidence continues firmly fixed in him.
He allowed his jealousy of the easy lives of the rich to cloud his thinking and he started raving like a beast without knowledge or understanding.
It is normal to have times of doubt, but the way in which we deal with that doubt is very important.
They speak from on high. At the same time we must realize that we too are weak sometimes. How do we see prayer changing his feelings and attitude as you go through this chapter?
What would you say to Asaph if he were here now?
They “have set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue parades through the earth.” Verbally they mock God and speak out against Him. These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. 2. Asaph’s description reminds us of Jesus’ parable about the rich fool, who did not know that he was about to die and all of the things so carefully stored up would avail him nothing. This is not the world God intended it to be. Richard Dawkins for example has said some exceedingly arrogant and evil things against God. How does Ps.
LXX"Their injustice will go forth as though from fat" Some scholars classify this Psalm as a "Wisdom Psalm," but this phrase implies it is a "Thanksgiving Psalm." confine them exclusively to God. 1 Chr. I. Application: We should echo the thoughts in the song “More Precious Than Silver.”, “Lord, You are more precious than silver. Many people look at religion as a means of gaining wealth. Finally he repented. JPSOA"Fat shuts out their eyes". God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”, 1. It is a modified form of "Progressive Theism" from Alfred North Whitehead. 2. Among the Psalms are two collections of Levitical Psalms, one is ascribed to the "sons of Korah" (Psalms 42-49), the other is ascribed to Asaph (Psalms 73-83 and Psalms 50). ", 3. Seeing them seemingly escape justice and be rewarded for their sins made Asaph jealous in that a part of him wanted to the same easy life which they had. In verses 23-24, Asaph recommits himself to the Lord. 73:13 "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure" This reflects the psalmist's doubt about the goodness and fairness of God mixed with a "poor me" attitude. His acceptance eternally (see note at Ps.
NASB"close" These come from a proper relationship with God, nothing else. All of their hopes, dreams, and fantasies seem to come true. Psalm 73 - ESV: Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. A lot of wicked people are successful. In short, Asaph says that “God is enough” for him. 3. He will fix it eventually (i.e., New Age), 2. He is with us in the midst of it (cf. 1. 3. 4. Who are "the wicked" described in Ps. Rom. In the OT, to support monotheism, there is only one causality (cf. 73:11. He rebuked himself and wouldn’t speak his concerns out loud –. The LXX supplies "with. Asaph saw many like Richard Dawkins spouting off with their mouth and only raking in more money. Asaph felt that he did what was right for nothing –, See verse 13. Do we see similar cases of the wicked prospering now? Money is but for a moment.
19How they are destroyed in a moment! 17Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
He was thinking in lines of what he “could get” from his actions. Asaph practiced self-control and he would go to the right place to deal with his feelings, namely to the Lord. What observations does Asaph make about the character of the wicked? . 6:7 online). Possibly he had neglected this during his struggle. When The Sun Finally Rises: Wrestling With The Past (Gen. 32:22-32), 2. Ps. Like Asaph, prayer is a good first step. 22Then I was senseless and ignorant; NKJV, NRSV, This text, however, may not be one of them. Discussion questions to encourage interaction. The wicked will face judgment (16-22) IV. ▣ "pure in heart" This reflects one's attitudes and motives (cf. "It is used metaphorically of pain and suffering that restricts one's enjoyment of life" (p. 941). But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; Therefore the people turn and praise them, If I had said, “I will talk on in this way,”. Ps. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. Was it really like this or was Asaph imagining things? "fetters" or "bonds" - Isa. The sins of the wicked were evident. This is the opposite of Ps. JPSOA"image" This Bible study on Psalms 73 contains outlines, extensive cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, lessons to learn, and applications. 6. Asaph is astounded by the success of the wicked (4-15) III.
The purpose of the OT was to show humanity their rebellion and sin (cf. Visit our inductive Bible studies for more studies on this and other books of the Bible. 73:10 was a quote from the wicked Israelites), 2. the wicked consume every good thing they can, 3. the followers of the wicked believe everything they say (NIDOTTE, vol. They change "he will bring back his people" (MT) to "they will be filled with food," which seems to be a better parallel to the next line. Everything seemed to bounce their way and they jumped from one success to another. And always at ease, they have increased in wealth. Psalms E-book – Our Study Psalms Bible study guide e-book contains full lessons on 9 select chapters and is downloadable for use on any device. 5. Lord, You are more costly than gold. 4:12; 9:1). NJB"on the point of", This reflects the Hebrew adverb BDB 589. It doesn’t help to try to deny the feelings you are having. Knowledge is good but trust is better! Asaph was was a descendant of Gershom of the tribe of Levi. 73:23-24. 2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped. The underlying assumption is that God allows that which should be judged! And fatness was generally a sign of wealth, a person who could afford to eat whatever they wanted. The concept of God awakening from sleep or rising from His throne to act is used in the OT as figurative language to denote the mystery of Deity's apparent inactivity or/and the unfairness of worldly events. 7:14; Isa. Ezra 3:11; Ps. This is where "faithful followers" must remember we live in a fallen world.
"heaven" (BDB 1029, see two Special Topic: Heaven and SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN and the Third Heaven) is mentioned in Ps. If we ever realize that we have gone over the line, we need to immediately repent.
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. ▣ "I perceived their end" Revelation came and his eyes were opened to the big picture—he took the long look, both in time and beyond time. Like Habakkuk did before, when we take our questions to God, we can find answers and calm assurance in God’s ultimate goodness.
.the prosperity of the wicked" This world is unfair. 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1,29; 136:1; Jer. 1. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive. When we face those moments, we should get help. 3:23). Instead you should seek to have these resolved in a correct way. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. Real believers can have real doubts or struggles – Followers of God are not robots. 73:26. The AB in Psalms by Mitchell Dahood finds many Hebrew words and idioms that, because of Ugaritic usage may be imagery for the nether world. NKJC, NJB, and afterward you will receive me with honor. He was on the very verge of losing his confidence, trust, assurance, and peace with God. However, the idiom takes on the wider connotation of "godly living" (cf. Verse 24 – With Your counsel You will guide me. The good news is, 1.
However, he still did take these to the Lord and received an answer. when our confidence continues firmly fixed in him.
He allowed his jealousy of the easy lives of the rich to cloud his thinking and he started raving like a beast without knowledge or understanding.
It is normal to have times of doubt, but the way in which we deal with that doubt is very important.