Today we will begin our study of Book III, the third collection of Psalms in the Bible’s compilation. This collection contains Psalms 73-89. We will start today with Psalm 73.
The title of this Psalm attributes it to Asaph. The Psalms attributed to Asaph are 50 and 73-83. Asaph was one of King David’s temple musicians (I Chronicles 6:31-32, 39). His job was to sing joyful music accompanied by instruments and to sound the bronze cymbals (I Chronicles 15:19). In addition, he was the chief of those appointed to minister before the ark of the Lord, making petition and giving thanks and praise (I Chronicles 16:4-6, 37). King David wrote and first committed to Asaph a psalm of thanks which is recorded in I Chronicles 16:7-22 and portions of which are contained in Psalm 105. Asaph was under the direct supervision of King David (I Chronicles 25:6).
When King David’s son, Solomon, ascended to the throne, he commissioned the construction of the Temple of the Lord. As the Ark of the Covenant was being brought to reside in the temple, Asaph was among the musicians serving at the ceremony. Read 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 for a description of their duties. Asaph was a leader in the worship of God and, through the years, his descendants continued to serve as singers in the Temple. His Psalms, later sung by King Hezekiah’s choirs (2 Chronicles 29:30), have lasted through the ages and can be studied today in the Bible.
Begin your study today in prayer, asking God for wisdom concerning wealth and the wicked of this world.
Meditate for a moment on the truth of verse 1. Who has been included in this verse? One only needs to read the book of Exodus to gain an appreciation of God’s immeasurable goodness to Israel and yet, that is just a fraction of what the Bible offers on this subject.
But in the next two verses Asaph, one of the worship leaders in Israel, speaks of almost losing his footing when he became envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Have you ever found yourself having similar feelings…tempted to do whatever it takes to get ahead? Even though we know that God will provide for His followers, we are often tempted, like Asaph, to wish for earthly wealth.
Verses 4-12 provide us a list of all the advantages and behaviors that the prosperous wicked enjoy. Identify each one as you read these verses. It is true that wealth often brings a more comfortable lifestyle and arrogant behaviors. Note in verse 9 that the wealthy make claims against Heaven itself. We can gain some insight into these claims by reading Proverbs 10:2. Note also in verse 11 the belief that they are getting away with their sin. Read Psalm 90:7-8 and decide for yourself whether this is true.
Asaph describes his conclusions on the matter in verses 13-15. His first inclination is to declare that he has wasted his days serving God. Think about this for a moment. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus sheds light on this issue. What is His advice?
As Asaph tries to understand all this, he enters the sanctuary of God (verses 16-17). We see that God redirects his thinking on the matter. Reflect for a moment on the time you spend in the presence of God. Is your mind totally focused on Him so that He is able to redirect your thinking? What does verse 17 tell us brought Asaph this new point of view? Read his new perspective in verses 18-20. Do you, like Asaph, realize that the wealthy wicked are not to be envied? Their treasures and privileges are of this earth and are temporary, but God’s people have so much more waiting for us after our lives here on earth are finished. Read Proverbs 19:23.
Compare verses 21 and 22, Asaph’s assessment of his earlier thoughts, with I John 2:15-17 and I Timothy 6:6-10. Do you agree with his assessment? Take a few moments and assess your own attitude in this area. What is more important to you today – treasure on earth or treasure in heaven?
As a result of Asaph’s new perspective, he immediately makes a personal response to God’s leading. Read verses 23-26. The Apostle Paul, having also given his life totally to serving the Lord, echoes the thoughts of verse 25 in Philippians 3:8.
The Psalm is summarized in its final two verses. We are reminded again that the wicked will perish, but the godly put their trust in the Lord. Have you put your trust in the Lord? Write Psalm 73:28 in your journal.
Reread Psalm 73 without interruption for continuity of thought.
Responding to God: As you close in prayer today, ask God to help you see the truth clearly, as Asaph did. Ask Him to guide you in setting priorities for your life and respond to His leading.
Commit to memorizing Psalm 73:28 this week.
Record in your journal how God has spoken to you today through this study of His Word.
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