Psalms 73 ~ Listen and Read Along

Dramatized KJV
 JV McGee
Asaph is also a prophet (1Chronicles 25:1~2), who wrote songs together with David (2Chronicles 29:30). Asaph tells how he nearly stumbled in view of the prosperity of the wicked, and how he was restored. The first half describes the perplexing vision of the prosperity of the wicked (v. 3), which startled and perplexed the soul. The wicked prosper in life, and death itself seems to have no terror for them (v. 4~12). They are satisfied, and more than satisfied, and because of these things men deny the knowledge of God, and turn their feet into the way of wickedness, affirming the uselessness of right-doing to procure benefits.

The psalmist now tells of how he was delivered, when everything changed. He ceased to look at the present only, then he saw the end of the wicked. In the sanctuary was the place where the nearest things were seen most accurately seen (v.17). He remembered and recognized his own wrong in misjudging God (v. 22), but was able to affirm God's presence and care (v.23~24). Out of the consciousness the song of praise was born and this is ever to bring to the heart of the trusting a thanksgiving and a song (v. 28).

The Treasury of David

 

God Is My Strength and Portion Forever    

Psalms 73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
Psalms 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
Psalms 73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 73:4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
Psalms 73:5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Psalms 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Psalms 73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
Psalms 73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
Psalms 73:9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Psalms 73:10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
Psalms 73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Psalms 73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Psalms 73:13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
Psalms 73:15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
Psalms 73:16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Psalms 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Psalms 73:18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
Psalms 73:19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Psalms 73:22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Psalms 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Psalms 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Psalms 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Psalms 73:27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
Psalms 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
  
  
  In the time of David we read of 38,000 Levites assisting the priests in the service in the temple (1Chronicles 23:3; 23:28), 4,000 of whom provide the music (23:5). Of these 4,000, 288 men are set apart to be singers (1Chronicles 25:7), divided into twenty-four groups. These are placed under the direction of some conductors. One of them is Asaph, who makes himself heard with cymbals (1Chronicles 16:5).
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