Monday, July 1 – Psalms 73, 77
Where did David understand the end of the wicked? (Psalms 73:17)
Regarding Asaph and the authorship of the Psalms, the Adventist Bible Commentary states, “In the superscription of 12 psalms the phrase “of Asaph” ( le’asaph ) appears (Ps. 50, 73-83). As with the expression ledawid, le’asaph is not positive evidence of authorship. Several of the psalms in this collection were apparently written by David (see Introductions to Ps. 73, 77, 80). Asaph was a Levite, one of David’s choir leaders. Like David, Asaph was a seer and a musical composer (see 1 Chron. 6:39; 2 Chron. 29:30; Neh. 12:46). In the list of captives who returned to Jerusalem, the children of Asaph are the only singers mentioned (Ezra 2:41).” (SDABC, Introduction to the Book of Psalms, Authorship)
In summary, Asaph was a Levite, prophet, and composer, but he did not write some psalms that bear his name; they probably bear his name because they were part of his repertoire.
Again, I quote the Adventist Bible Commentary, “Like Ps. 37, Ps. 73, deals with the conflict existing in the mind of the one who observes that in this life apparently the wicked prosper and the righteous are persecuted. But Ps. 73 goes further in its solution than Ps. 37. Ps. 73 takes us beyond the present life into an eternity of glory, where man will find the ultimate solution and his ultimate satisfaction in the presence of God.
As in many psalms, the conclusion is stated first; thereafter, the poem is about equally divided between statement of the problem and its solution. In his perplexity the psalmist has practically given up God. His analysis of the problem and his endeavor to solve it are fruitless until he goes into the sanctuary. There he finds a satisfactory answer. The poem closes with an expression of his complete confidence in the salvation of the righteous and the destruction of the wicked. In this psalm the poet has given an eloquent plea for sincere participation in divine service as the place where we may expect to receive an answer to the questions that perplex our souls.
Like the book of Job, the psalm teaches a lesson of forbearance toward the one who honestly doubts. The psalmist believed in the righteousness of God, but he could not understand its application to human needs. Honestly searching for an answer to the problem, he emerged into the light of triumphant faith.” (SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 73)
Often, it is beyond our reach to understand what is happening. Our perspective on life is earthly and limited. The following verses show the psalmist’s journey in this situation, how he feels real pain, and how he is guided by faith in God. Then he expresses the destination of his journey.
“21 Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was [f]vexed in my mind.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalms 73:21-26)
May this also be our experience when we are perplexed and in pain. Faith is strengthened, and we receive comfort when we go to the Sanctuary. “When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.” (Psalms 73:16, 17)
In Psalm 77, David recounts how, in his pain, he cried out to the Lord and felt unheard. Focused on his problems and pain, he doubted that God was listening to his prayers. Then he realized that the problem was his own and decided to remember how he had been delivered in the past. He found comfort and encouragement by recalling and mentioning how God had been with him in the past. “And I said, ‘This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.’” (Psalms 77:10)
Let us apply the same remedy to our doubts. Have an incredibly blessed day.
Pastor Abel Paulin