{"collection":"Bible & Christianity","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bib/cmt/jfb/psa073.htm","path":"bib/cmt/jfb/psa073.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/jfb/psa073.htm","text":"A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]\nThe abrupt announcement of the theme indicates that it is the conclusion of a perplexing mental conflict, which is then detailed (compare Jer 12:1-4).\nTruly--or, \"Surely it is so.\"\nclean heart-- (Psa 18:26) describes the true Israel.\nThe figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (compare Psa 22:5; Psa 62:3).\nThe prosperous wicked are insolently proud (compare Psa 5:5). They die, as well as live, free from perplexities: pride adorns them, and violence is their clothing; indeed they are inflated with unexpected success. With all this--\nThey are corrupt--or, literally, \"they deride,\" they speak maliciously and arrogantly and invade even heaven with blasphemy (Rev 13:6), and cover earth with slanders (Job 21:7-14).\nHence God's people are confounded, turned hither (or back) and thither, perplexed with doubts of God's knowledge and care, and filled with sorrow.\nprosper in the word--literally, \"secure for ever.\"\nThe Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried.\nFreed from idiomatic phrases, this verse expresses a supposition, as, \"Had I thus spoken, I should,\" &c., intimating that he had kept his troubles to himself.\ngeneration of thy children--Thy people (Jo1 3:1).\noffend--literally, \"deceive, mislead.\"\nStill he--\nthought--literally, \"studied,\" or, \"pondered this riddle\"; but in vain; it remained a toil (compare Margin), till he--\nwent into the sanctuary--to enquire (compare Exo 25:22; Psa 5:7; Psa 27:4).\ntheir end--future (Psa 37:37-38), which is dismal and terribly sudden (Pro 1:27; Pro 29:1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstantial dream, so God, waking up to judgment (Psa 7:6; Psa 44:23), despises their vain shadow of happiness (Psa 39:6; Isa 29:7). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces (Psa 74:3).\nHe confesses how--\nfoolish--literally, \"stupid,\" and\nignorant--literally, \"not discerning,\" had been his course of thought.\nbefore thee--literally, \"with Thee,\" in conduct respecting Thee.\nStill he was with God, as a dependent beneficiary, and so kept from falling (Psa 73:2).\nAll doubts are silenced in confidence of divine guidance and future glory.\nreceive me to glory--literally, \"take for (me) glory\" (compare Psa 68:18; Eph 4:8).\nGod is his only satisfying good.\nstrength--literally, \"rock\" (Psa 18:2).\nportion-- (Psa 16:5; Lam 3:24).\nThe lot of apostates, described by a figure of frequent use (Jer 3:1, Jer 3:3; Eze 23:35), is contrasted with his, who finds happiness in nearness to God (Jam 4:8), and his delightful work the declaration of His praise.","title":"A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments: Psalms: Psalms Chapter 73","type":"page"}