A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments: Psalms: Psalms Chapter 73
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
The 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).
Truly--or, "Surely it is so."
clean heart-- (Psa 18:26) describes the true Israel.
The figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (compare Psa 22:5; Psa 62:3).
The 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--
They 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).
Hence God's people are confounded, turned hither (or back) and thither, perplexed with doubts of God's knowledge and care, and filled with sorrow.
prosper in the word--literally, "secure for ever."
The 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.
Freed 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.
generation of thy children--Thy people (Jo1 3:1).
offend--literally, "deceive, mislead."
Still he--
thought--literally, "studied," or, "pondered this riddle"; but in vain; it remained a toil (compare Margin), till he--
went into the sanctuary--to enquire (compare Exo 25:22; Psa 5:7; Psa 27:4).
their 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).
He confesses how--
foolish--literally, "stupid," and
ignorant--literally, "not discerning," had been his course of thought.
before thee--literally, "with Thee," in conduct respecting Thee.
Still he was with God, as a dependent beneficiary, and so kept from falling (Psa 73:2).
All doubts are silenced in confidence of divine guidance and future glory.
receive me to glory--literally, "take for (me) glory" (compare Psa 68:18; Eph 4:8).
God is his only satisfying good.
strength--literally, "rock" (Psa 18:2).
portion-- (Psa 16:5; Lam 3:24).
The 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.