What does Psalm 73:23 mean?
ESV: Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
NIV: Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
NASB: Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.
CSB: Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.
NLT: Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
KJV: Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
NKJV: Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
Verse Commentary:
God had not abandoned Asaph because of Asaph's sin of envying the wicked. He was still with Asaph. Their relationship had not been severed. Asaph felt as if he'd almost fallen away from faith because of bitterness (Psalm 73:2), but God did not let him fall.
Indeed, the reason Israel is still alive today after so many persecutions is due to God's grip on the nation. He promised in Isaiah 43:2 to be with the people of Israel when they pass through the rivers and walk through the fire. He has also promised to be with believers of the church age. When Jesus charged His disciples with the task of proclaiming the gospel throughout the world, He promised: "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Even when believers undergo harsh trials, the Lord is with them. Hebrews 13:5 exhorts believers to be content with what they have, because He has said, "I will never leave nor forsake you." The presence of the Lord is worth infinitely far more than all the wealth which wicked unbelievers temporarily possess (Psalm 73:18–20).
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
Accessed 10/17/2024 11:50:44 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
