Psalms 73

Psalm 73

The theme of the Psalm is a problem or question that many of God’s children face: “Why do the wicked prosper and flourish?” Of course, this refers primarily to their material success, even though they are proud and arrogant. On the other hand, we find that God’s children suffer.

The Psalm presents the following points as the answer:

1. The prosperity of the wicked is temporary. The proud and wicked person will inevitably experience God’s wrath.

2. Their prosperity may continue even until death, but eternal judgment awaits them.

3. The righteous person will discover that his true joy is not found in temporary success, but in having a personal relationship and fellowship with God. Therefore, no one should envy the prosperity of the wicked.

The Psalm begins with a struggle and questions concerning the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. Yet it ends with this firm and certain confession of faith:

“But it is good for me to draw near to God;

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

That I may tell of all Your works.”

— Psalm 73:28 (NKJV)

We can reflect on this verse on two levels: the personal level of the spiritual person, and the ministry level of the faithful servant.

The Spiritual Person

The spiritual person does not build his peace upon the circumstances of those around him or upon temporary successes. Rather, he makes a personal and independent decision to be connected to God alone.

The true and only good is drawing near to God. In Him we find true satisfaction, as well as genuine psychological and spiritual stability.

The Faithful Servant in Ministry

As for ministry, the faithful servant cannot proclaim the works of God unless he has personally experienced them in “the refuge.”

Successful ministry is not merely the result of human strength or ability. Rather, it is the overflow of a heart that is filled through drawing near to God.

Ministry is filled with challenges, disappointments, and difficulties. If the servant does not have a constant “refuge” to which he can return, he will eventually become spiritually dry or be broken by comparisons and false accusations.

Psalm 73:23–24

“Nevertheless I am continually with You;

You hold me by my right hand.

You will guide me with Your counsel,

And afterward receive me to glory.”

— Psalm 73:23–24 (NKJV)

When the Psalmist surrendered himself to God and trusted in Him, refusing all the doubts that had attacked him because of the prosperity of the wicked and the affliction of the righteous, he experienced God’s guidance.

God guided him on the right path according to His counsel. God’s counsel is revealed through His commandments and His Word in the Holy Scriptures.

The Psalmist says, “You hold me by my right hand.” This means that God strengthened and supported him. The hand represents action, while the right hand represents strength. Thus, the Psalmist experienced God’s care and guidance and witnessed His mighty work in his life.

God also brought the Psalmist into great glory. This may refer to the heavenly glory that awaits him after the struggle of this life, or to the rest he experienced after God delivered him from his trial, through which he received the blessings of perseverance.

Finally, these two verses may also be understood as a prophecy concerning the period of the Babylonian exile. During that time, the people returned to God with repentance and faith. God took hold of them and led them back to their land, where they experienced the rebuilding of the Temple and once again enjoyed the glory of worshiping God in His Temple.