Study 57 From the Book of
Psalms is: Psalms 73
Pss. 73-83 are all entitled
‘of Asaph’ (cf. 2 Ch. 35:15; Ezr. 2:41; 3:10). These psalms are marked by
certain characteristic features, among which may be mentioned the
representation of God as Judge and also as the Shepherd of His people. They
are, in the main, national psalms, and look back to the past history of Israel
to draw from it encouragement and warning.
1.
The
problem of the prosperity of the ungodly oppressed the psalmist sorely. See
verses 2, 13, 16. Real life seemed to mock the assertion of verse 1. What was
the root of the psalmist’s distress? See verses 3, 22; Cf. Pr. 23:17; Ps. 37:1.
What is the ‘more excellent way’? Cf. 1 Cor. 13:4; 1 Pet. 2:1.
2.
How
did the psalmist discover the grossness of this error? What did he come to see
with regard to the wicked (verses 17-20), and what did he find that he possessed
in God (verses 23-26)? Can you honestly and enthusiastically make the
confession of verse 25?
3.
What
may we learn from the psalmist’s example (a) in verses 15-17 (for ‘the
sanctuary’, cf. Pss. 63:2, 3; 68:35), and (b) in verse 28? Do you delight in being
near to God, and in speaking not of doubts (verse 15), but of God’s mighty
works?
Notes
1.
Verse
15. The psalmist realizes that to parade his doubt (verses 13, 14), or to speak
like the wicked (verse 9), would be to betray the family of God.
2.
Verse
20. The sense is, ‘The wicked are like a dream when one awakes; and when you, O
Lord, awake, you will despise their shadow.’
