Psalm 73

1. In this psalm, the writer, Asaph, seems to be trying to figure out an ages-old question: “Why do evil people suffer?” He spends the first 14 verses struggling with that question, then turns his attention to the fact that God is ultimately just.

2. Verses 2 and 3 begin to spell out the problem the psalmist is struggling with. He admits to having such trouble with this question that he almost stumbles. As an aside, it is interesting to read the book of Job (especially the speeches of Job’s “friends”), then this psalm.

3. Asaph thinks that evil people have so easy that they don’t even have painful deaths! (verse 4)

4. The people of whom Asaph writes are so openly wicked that they “wear” their evil as others would wear a piece of jewelry or an outer garment (verse 6). It is not just that these people are evil that bothers Asaph, it is that they are so openly evil, and they still flourish.

5. Verses 8 and 9 show us how these people have even gained places of prominence and then used those powerful positions to openly rebuke against God. How often do we see that even today?

6. While these people may be evil, they have influence. Verse 10 shows us that people continue to “come back” to them and are willing to “drink in” everything the evil person says. They have the ability to make people believe what they say, even though the people may not agree at first. Eventually, people fall for their evil lies completely.

7. Continuing that thought, the evil people can even get others to question God’s knowledge! (verse 11)

8. In contrast to the growing influence and affluence of the evil man, Asaph says that he is vain, stricken and chastened (verses 13-14). Thus, his questioning of the situation around him. He admits to trying to do what is right, but he still sees those around him prosper, though evil.

9. BUT…Asaph then let his mind return to God. In verses 15-17, he opens the second half of the psalm by showing us that, while he still wondered, he was able to come to grips with God’s justice. Why? “I perceived [the evil people’s] end.”

10. Following up on that idea, Asaph begins to list certain ways in which those who are evil get their due (verses 18-20). While these things are not literal happenings, Asaph is able to see that those who do wrong will be punished, and that punishment will come from God Himself. It happens on His time, and in His way.

11. Verses 21-22 contain the penitent statement of Asaph in this psalm. He admits to being bitter about his earlier questioning, and shows that this was a barrier between him and his Lord. We need more lessons on how bitterness is wrong and causes great trouble.

12. What a great statement of trust and faith is found in verses 23 and 24. Asaph says he walks with God, but that God makes the move to protect: “You have taken hold of my right hand.” Also, God guides Asaph and will protect, even to the end. These two verses are some of the most overlooked statements of faith in the Old Testament.

13. Realizing God’s help–and in grand contrast to his earlier questioning–Asaph admits, “Besides You, I desire nothing on earth” (verse 25).

14. Summarizing what he has learned from this experience, Asaph again says that those who do evil will be punished and those who do right (in this case, himself) will be near God (verse 28).