A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 73. A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit. They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression. They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance. They say, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence, For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus”, behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children. When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me— until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end. Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction. How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors. As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies. For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart. I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord the LORD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Worship Lyrics

A Psalm by Asaph
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart
But as for me, my feet were almost gone
My steps had nearly slipped
For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked
For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm
They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men
Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck
Violence covers them like a garment
Their eyes bulge with fat
Their minds pass the limits of conceit
They scoff and speak with malice
In arrogance, they threaten oppression
They have set their mouth in the heavens
Their tongue walks through the earth
Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance
They say, How does God know
Is there knowledge in the Most High
Behold, these are the wicked
Being always at ease, they increase in riches
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence
For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning
If I had said, I will speak thus, behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children
When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me—
Until I entered Gods sanctuary, and considered their latter end
Surely you set them in slippery places
You throw them down to destruction
How they are suddenly destroyed
They are completely swept away with terrors
As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies
For my soul was grieved
I was embittered in my heart
I was so senseless and ignorant
I was a brute beast before you
Nevertheless, I am continually with you
You have held my right hand
You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory
Whom do I have in heaven
There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you
My flesh and my heart fails
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever
For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you
But it is good for me to come close to God
I have made the Lord the LORD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works

About This Psalm

Psalm 73 is a trust psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: trust, creation

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 73 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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