The Bible Says
Psalm 73:1-9 Meaning

Psalm 73:1-9 opens with the words: A Psalm of Asaph. In this heading, we learn that the words to come are attributed to Asaph, a figure who served as a Levitical musician and seer around 1000 BC in the time of King David. Asaph’s role was vital in Israel’s worship, and his reflections echo across centuries as honest prayers and praises toward God.

Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! (v. 1). Asaph begins by affirming a central truth about the Lord’s character and His benevolence toward His covenant people, Israel. This ancient land lies in the eastern Mediterranean, promised to Abraham’s descendants centuries before Asaph’s day. Mentioning Israel alongside purity of heart anticipates the deeper spiritual reality that God’s favor rests on those who seek sincerity before Him. Jesus reiterated a similar principle by teaching that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8).

In this brief declaration, Asaph highlights the divine goodness that serves as his foundation of faith, even when circumstances appear contradictory. By including the phrase to those who are pure in heart, there is a reminder that righteousness goes beyond ritual and enters the realm of inward devotion. Asaph’s opening note both grounds him and prepares the reader for the struggle he is about to unveil.

But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped (v. 2). Here, Asaph shifts from celebration of God’s goodness to an admission of personal doubt. Although he knew the truth intellectually, the reality of life’s hardships and the seeming success of evildoers nearly caused him to waver.

In his honesty, Asaph shows that even faithful worshipers can struggle with envy and confusion when they compare their situations to those who appear to prosper outside of God’s ways. His vivid imagery of slipping steps conveys a sense of impending spiritual disaster, demonstrating how doubt can shake even a devout heart.

For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked (v. 3). Here the psalmist openly confesses that envy crept into his heart. The arrogance of those who disregard the Lord yet thrive provokes his anguish. Instead of progressing in faith, he found himself distracted by their material success.

By acknowledging his envy, Asaph reveals the raw vulnerability that can threaten a believer’s joy and trust in God. It underscores the importance of guarding one’s heart against jealousy, remembering that the world’s prosperity can be fleeting, while God’s eternal promises endure.

For there are no pains in their death, And their body is fat (v. 4). Asaph contrasts the ease he perceives in the lives of the wicked with the struggles of the righteous. He observes that they experience minimal suffering and seem well—fed and comfortable — an outward symbol of abundant resources in the ancient world.

Such observations can foster bitterness if we forget that earthly appearances do not necessarily reflect God’s plenitude. A life of temporary comfort can hide a deeper spiritual void. Asaph’s sense of confusion grows as he wonders why these seemingly carefree lives go unpunished.

They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like mankind (v. 5). Continuously pointing out the disparity, Asaph sees these individuals living above the common woes most face. This further distances them from the humility and dependence on God that trials often foster.

Instead of growing closer to the Lord through adversity, the wicked appear nearly immune to common hardships. The psalmist laments the apparent injustice in a world where those who honor God sometimes suffer while the reckless seem to prosper without consequence.

Therefore pride is their necklace; The garment of violence covers them (v. 6). Their outward prosperity leads to an open display of pride, much like a necklace worn for all to see. Furthermore, their violent, unjust behavior becomes a covering — so deeply woven into their lives that it resembles clothing.

Through this vivid imagery, Asaph indicates that arrogance and oppression are not passing traits but rather a lifestyle. Their abundance fuels their conceit, and their success seemingly rewards their injustice. This contrast with the righteous stirs tension in Asaph’s heart.

Their eye bulges from fatness; The imaginations of their heart run riot (v. 7). In describing their opulence, Asaph paints a picture of unchecked indulgence. Their prosperity has become an avenue to satisfy every desire, allowing fantasy and cruelty to flourish unrestrained.

This condition stands in stark conflict with the instruction to care for others and remain humble before God. Instead of submitting to a higher moral code, they revel in self—interest and exploitation, untroubled by guilt or remorse.

They mock and wickedly speak of oppression; They speak from on high (v. 8). Not only do they indulge their own appetites, but they also openly ridicule those they oppress. From a social or political vantage point of power, their words come across as haughty and authoritarian.

Such mockery showcases the full extent of their disregard for justice. The righteous can feel overwhelmed by these brazen attitudes that elevate power and wealth above compassion. This further contributes to the psalmist’s crisis of faith as he grapples with evil’s dominance.

They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth (v. 9). Their speech is not merely directed at humankind but also at God Himself, reflecting ultimate defiance against the Creator. Their words traverse the globe, displaying an unashamed and far—reaching arrogance.

When the psalmist notes their words are against the heavens, it implies that they challenge divine authority. Their disregard knows no boundaries, and in the eyes of those who desire righteousness, such insurrection appears worthy of immediate correction. As we continue reading beyond verse 9, we will see how Asaph wrestles with this tension and finds resolution in the eternal perspective of God.