Psalm 73:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.

NIV: They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

NASB: They mock and wickedly speak of oppression; They speak from on high.

CSB: They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.

NLT: They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.

KJV: They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

NKJV: They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily.

The prosperous wicked described by Asaph (Psalm 73:1–3) are arrogant and even proud of where their sin has gotten them (Psalm 73:6). Here, he refers to how godless people—especially those who are successful—revile and insult those who believe in God. The Hebrew word translated "scoff" refers to mocking. Their words are insulting, hurtful, and even threatening to those who don't share their wicked outlook (1 Peter 4:3–4). Those who are "lofty" are the egotistical, proud ones looking down on others. It takes little effort to recognize such attitudes in the unbelieving world today.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was like that until God humbled him. He set up a gigantic gold image such that it was clearly visible and commanded everyone to bow down and worship it when given a signal. He threatened to execute anyone who disobeyed his command (Daniel 3:1–6). He also boasted that he had built the city of Babylon, only to be humbled by God (Daniel 4:28–33).

Darius, a later king, was also arrogant and oppressive. He forbade everyone to pray, other than to him, for thirty days (Daniel 6:4–9). This turned out to be a manipulation by his advisors, nearly costing the life of his best advisor (Daniel 6:13–22).

The Herods, a line of tyrants who ruled Palestine during the time of Jesus and the apostles, were also proud and oppressive. It was a Herod who tried to kill Baby Jesus (Matthew 2:16). Another Herod executed the apostle James and planned to execute the apostle Peter (Acts 12:1–3). They, too, were eventually humbled and defeated in their efforts to oppose the gospel.

Despite threats and overconfidence, those who defy God will always lose, in the end (Psalm 73:15–17).

Psalm 73:1–9 depicts a struggle which resonates with Christians in many eras of history. Asaph almost abandoned his faith in God because he envied the prosperous wicked. He describes them as healthy, wealthy, proud, violent, and profane. Job 21 includes a similar description of the wicked. The wording here is meant to be somewhat exaggerated, reflecting the painful perspective of godly people who suffer. The following verses discuss how the same problems lead others to question God, and how Asaph ultimately resolves his doubts and confirms his faith.

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.