Psalms 73:19

19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

Psalms 73:19 in Other Translations

KJV
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
ESV
19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!
NLT
19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
MSG
19 In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and - nightmare!
CSB
19 How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away 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 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

Cross References 2

  • 1. Deuteronomy 28:20; Proverbs 24:22; Isaiah 47:11
  • 2. S Genesis 19:15
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