Psalm 73:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

NIV: till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

NASB: Until I entered the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end.

CSB: until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.

NLT: Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

KJV: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

NKJV: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.

In this psalm, Asaph has expressed his frustration at seeing evil people prosper (Psalm 73:2–3) while godly people suffer (Psalm 73:13–14). He realizes the danger of this, however (Psalm 73:15), even while he admits his own limitations (Psalm 73:16). Other Scriptures, such as the book of Proverbs, explain how godlessness puts a person at greater risk of disaster during their earthly life (Proverbs 9:13–18). Seeking God, Asaph also comes to realize that even the most affluent person is subject to God's judgment in eternity. Focusing on what he knows of God, to encourage him in the face of what he does not know, Asaph's faith is reinforced.

Hezekiah, too, benefitted from a personal session in the temple with the Lord. When the Assyrian army laid siege to Jerusalem and threatened to conquer it, Hezekiah took the threatening letter he had received from the Assyrian general and spread it before the Lord (Isaiah 37:14). The Lord resolved the Assyrian threat by destroying the Assyrian army during the night (2 Kings 19:35–37).

The best way to resolve our heartbreak is to turn all such issues over to the Lord in prayer. The apostle James instructs: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5).

Psalm 73:15–28 gives a fitting resolution to Asaph's complaint (Psalm 73:2–3). He was disturbed by the contrast between the seemingly prosperous wicked and the difficulties of the righteous. Many today feel the same conflict. An eternal perspective gave the answer he needed to those hard examples. In short, wickedness does come with risks, and earthly life is not all there is to our existence. Even in the context of the natural world, evil invites negative consequences and disaster. In eternity, judgment on godlessness is absolutely guaranteed.

Seeing godless people thrive, even as they hatefully mock God, while believers suffer, leads many people to a crisis of faith. This was the case for Asaph. Using exaggerated imagery, he complains to the Lord that it seems as if evil people have easy lives, while godly people suffer. Further reflection reminds Asaph that sin does lead to consequences, both in this life and the next. He confesses his sins of bitterness and resolves to trust God more deeply.

This psalm is the first in a collection which corresponds to Leviticus and the overall theme of worship. Asaph, who wrote Psalm 73, confesses that seeing prosperity among wicked people brought him bitterness and envy. That nearly caused him to lose trust in God. Carefully considering God and His eternal truth led Asaph to a stronger faith. Job chapter 21, in which trial-laden Job also complains about the success of some wicked people, mentions many of the same ideas as Psalm 73.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.