Psalms 73:19

19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!

Psalms 73:19 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 73:19

How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment?
&c.] Very suddenly, which is often the case of wicked men, who cry Peace and safety, and sudden destruction comes upon them, ( 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ) , so as in a moment were the punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah, of Pharaoh and his host, and of Korah and his company, ( Lamentations 4:6 ) ( Exodus 14:28 ) ( Numbers 16:21 Numbers 16:45 ) , the words are expressed with admiration, as wondering at the sudden and amazing turn of things:

they are utterly consumed with terrors:
their destruction is not only sudden, but entire; it is like the breaking in pieces of a potter's vessel; a shard of which cannot be gathered up and used, or like the casting of a millstone into the sea, which will never rise more; such will be the destruction of antichrist; see ( Revelation 2:27 ) ( 18:21 ) and this is done "with terrors"; either by terrible judgments inflicted on them from without; or with terrors inwardly seizing upon their minds and consciences; as, at the time of temporal calamities, or at death, however at judgment, when the awful sentence will be pronounced upon them; see ( Job 27:20 ) .

Psalms 73:19 In-Context

17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes; on awaking you despise their phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.