Psalm 73:19

19 How they become a desolation in a moment! They come to a complete end by terrors.

Psalm 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 ) .

Psalm 73:19 In-Context

17 until I went into the sanctuary of God. [Then] I understood their fate.

18 Surely you set them on slippery places. You cause them to fall onto ruin.

19 How they become a desolation in a moment! They come to a complete end by terrors.

20 Like a dream upon awakening, when [you] wake up, O Lord, you will despise their fleeting form.

21 When my heart was embittered and I felt stabbed in my kidneys,