Psalm 73:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

NIV: Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

NASB: For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.

CSB: Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

NLT: Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.

KJV: For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

NKJV: For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.

At the beginning of this psalm Asaph was suffering a crisis of faith, thanks to a short-range view of the wicked (Psalm 73:2–3). They prospered and were healthy, while God's people were suffering (Psalm 73:4–14). Now, after pondering the whole matter before the Lord in the temple (Psalm 73:15–18), he takes the more appropriate, long-range view of the wicked: they were far from God and destined to perish.

Asaph understood that God judges everyone who violates His laws. Most likely, the well-to-do evil ones Asaph was thinking of were unfaithful Israelites. It is also true that everyone who fails to believe on God's Son is condemned already (John 3:18). John 3:36 says categorically: "Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." At the final judgment, the great white throne judgment, all unbelievers, regardless of their rank and station in life, will be consigned to the lake of fire. This judgment is called the second death because it causes separation from God for eternity (Revelation 20:10–15).

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 7:19:12 PM