Psalms 73:16-26

16 Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache . . .

17 Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture:

18 The slippery road you've put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions.

19 In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and - nightmare!

20 We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing. There's nothing to them. And there never was.

21 When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy,

22 I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence.

23 I'm still in your presence, but you've taken my hand.

24 You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

25 You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth!

26 When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.

Psalms 73:16-26 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 73

\\<>\\. It seems by the title that Asaph was the penman of this psalm, as it is certain that he was a composer of psalms and hymns; see 2Ch 29:30, though it may be rendered, "a psalm for Asaph", or "unto Asaph" {a}; and might have David for its author, as some think, who, having penned it, sent it to Asaph, to be made use of by him in public service; see 1Ch 16:7, and so the Targum paraphrases it, ``a song by the hands of Asaph;'' the occasion of it was a temptation the psalmist fell into, through the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, to think there was nothing in religion, that it was a vain and useless thing; under which he continued until he went into the house of God, and was taught better; when he acknowledged his stupidity and folly, and penned this psalm, to prevent others falling into the same snare, and to set forth the goodness of God to his people, with which it begins.