The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:1-28

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

THIS is the first of the "Psalms of Asaph," whereof the present book contains eleven. They are characterized by a preponderating use of the name "Elohim" over that of" Jehovah," by a great calmness and solemnity of tone, and by a pervading melancholy. The present psalm has for its subject the well worn problem of the prosperity of the wicked (Job 21:7-15; Psalms 37:1-38; Jeremiah 12:1-3, etc.). The writer has been troubled with respect to it, and has well nigh fallen away from God in consequence (verse 2); but, after a severe struggle (verses 13-16), his eyes have been enlightened on the subject, and he has found an explanation which is satisfactory to him (verses 17-20). He contrasts his former state of perplexity and danger with his present satisfaction and security (verses 21-24); and concludes by expressing an unqualified trust in the ultimate salvation of the righteous and destruction of the wicked.

Metrically, the psalm seems to fall into eight stanzas; the first and last of two verses each, the remaining six each of four verses.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 73:1-14The psalmist was strongly tempted to envy the prosperity of the wicked; a common temptation, which has tried the graces of many saints. But he lays down the great principle by which he resolved to abide. It is the goodn…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:1-28The grievous conflict of the flesh and the Spirit, and the glorious conquest of the Spirit at the last. I. THE BEGINNING OF THE PSALM. In this he ingeniously pointeth at those rocks against which he was like to have spl…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:1-28The solution of a great problem. The question here is—Why should good men suffer, and bad men prosper, when the Law had said that God was a righteous Judge, meting out to men in this world the due recompense of their de…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:1-28Asaph's trial and deliverance. Asaph was greatly tempted, as this psalm plainly shows. It does not matter whether he speaks of himself or, as is likely, of some other servant of God. Consider— I. HIS TEMPTATION. 1. It w…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:1Truly God is good to Israel; i.e. verily, in spite of appearances to the contrary, which had for a time made the writer doubt. It is suggested that the triumph of Absalom may have been the circumstance that shook Asaph'…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. The psalmist had doubted God's goodness and righteousness, on account of the prosperity of the wicked. He feels now that his doubt had been a sin,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:2Narrow escapes. "The victorious general, in the hour of triumph, has not unfrequently reason to remember how nearly, through oversight or miscalculation, he had lost the day. A little more pressure on this wing or that,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (comp. Psalms 37:1). To envy the wicked because they prosper is to make more account of the good things of this life than of God's favour—to pref…Joseph S. Exell and contributors