Chapter 73
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Overview
Psalm 73, by Asaph, opens Book III of the Psalter and wrestles with the age-old problem of why the wicked prosper. Asaph nearly lost his footing when he envied the arrogant — the wicked seem to have no struggles, they are healthy and strong, and they mock God saying 'How doth God know?' Asaph found it painful to understand until he entered the sanctuary of God and understood their end — they are set in slippery places and brought to desolation in a moment. Asaph repents of his envy, declaring: 'Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.' God is the strength of his heart and his portion forever.
Key Themes
The Crisis of Envy
Seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer creates a faith crisis — Asaph's feet nearly slipped as he envied their ease and abundance.
The Sanctuary's Perspective
The turning point comes when Asaph enters God's sanctuary — worship provides the perspective that reason alone cannot, revealing the wicked's terrifying end.
God as Ultimate Portion
When everything is stripped away, God Himself remains the only satisfying portion — there is nothing in heaven or earth to desire beside Him.
Study Questions
How does Asaph's honest admission of envy (vv. 2-3) provide permission for believers to be honest about their struggles?
What changed when Asaph 'went into the sanctuary of God' (v. 17)? How does worship reframe our perspective?
What does 'Whom have I in heaven but thee?' (v. 25) mean as a statement of ultimate devotion?
How does the wicked's question 'How doth God know?' (v. 11) reveal their fundamental error?
What does it mean that God is 'the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever' (v. 26)?
Connection to Christ
Christ is the one in whom God becomes our eternal portion. Jesus Himself was poor and afflicted while the wicked seemed to triumph over Him — yet the cross that appeared to be His end was actually His victory. In Christ, believers have the ultimate sanctuary perspective: earthly prosperity is fleeting, but union with God through Christ is eternal.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 73. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?