Psalm 73
Dear RTB’ers,
It’s been a while since we’ve been in the Psalms – more than eight months, in fact. Back then we had finished Book 2 of the Psalms. Many (most?) of the Psalms in Book 2 had been written by David. You may recall that many of his psalms were written when he was in danger from Saul or Absalom, so he was often praying for protection and deliverance. Today as we move to Book 3 we’ll see a different focus – still prayers for protection and laments, but also a lot of praise. And so, we begin Book 3 of the Psalms.
With today’s opening line we see right away that we have left Ezekiel: Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (v. 1) No more of the Lord’s railing against sin and injustice back in Jerusalem. But then, after that wonderful opening line the psalmist moves to jealousy, envious of evildoers who never seem to get hammered for their arrogance, their violence – they were always at ease in their wealth. But for the psalmist, himself, his was a life of pain: All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. (vv. 13-14)
Thankfully, the psalmist does not wallow in self-pity: Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. (vv. 23-24) And, he knows that in the end God is just and evildoers will be judged according to their evil deeds: For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to You. (v. 27)
It’s nice to be back to the Psalms!
Blessings.
See also: