Carefully Examining the Text

Psalm 73

Tommy Peeler

This opens book 3 of the Psalms.
The writer acknowledges that he almost lost his faith at the prosperity of the wicked.
73:1-14 The writer struggles to believe that God is good
73:2 But as for me- This phrase is actually a word in Hebrew that begins vs. 2, 22, 23, 28.
73:3 The Bible warns against being envious of the wicked- Ps. 37:1-2; Prov. 23:19
73:4-5 Their life seems care free and trouble free
73:8-9, 11 But they are defiant of God
73:6, 8 They mistreat others
73:13-14 What does it pay to serve God?

73:15-20 The Light breaks through as he turns to worship God
73:17
This is the turning point of Psalm 73 and some have described it as the turning point of the entire book.  
73:18-20
The wicked are not as secure as it might seem

73:21-28 He sees that he has a blessing that the wicked do not have. God Himself is the greatest blessing of all.
73:25-26
What blessing compares with God Himself??
73:28
Notice how the psalm ends much as it began- vs. 1.