Do Not Cover It
Psalm 73 (KJV)
1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Do Not Cover It
Although this song was not written by king David, the lyrics evoke, like his, a reverence for the righteous judgement of God against the wicked and an honest admonish for God to purify his heart. The writer, Asaph, is envious of the apparent wealth, rampant evil and lavish lifestyle of the wicked. He is perplexed and vexed that this could be so. He pours out these feelings before the Lord with frustration. Finally he finds his faith again in God who is the holy one and rewarder of his own. The singer begins with what he knows to be the truth. He must have seen this with his own eyes and personally experienced the goodness of god. He states, “truly God is good to Israel”. But wait. He suddenly seems to speak less confidently. “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped”. What made him falter. He reveals it in the next verse. “For I was envious of the prosperity of the wicked”. On the one hand he sees a loving god bringing prosperity to Israel. But on the other hand he witnesses the same or even greater prosperity gained by the wicked. This leaves him shaken and confused. He goes on to thoroughly describe the life of these evil men. Their strength is firm, they evade trouble, and they are not plagued like other men. I can imagine him shaking his head in jealous disbelief. They flaunt their pride and are violent. Their eyes bulge as they eat and grow fat. They are corrupt and speak wickedly. They even speak against the heavens throughout the earth. They don’t think god knows or has knowledge of their deeds and oppression.
Asaph asks God to behold them. Maybe he wonders if God sees these as well. Behold these are the wicked that prosper in the world. They increase in riches. Asaph is telling the lord that he has been innocent and cleanses his heart. But has this all been in vain. For him he is plagued every morning however he realized that this is wrong for him to speak this way. Then he went to the sanctuary. Here he found the truth. Surely god did cast the wicked down in slippery places. They are brought into desolation in a moment. They are utterly consumed with terrors. God will award and despise their image. Asaph was grieved and convicted in his heart by his former foolish thoughts. He thanked God for holding him with his right hand and counseling him. He realizes God is the one he has in heaven and there is no one greater on this earth for him to desire. Even if his flesh and heart faileth, god is the strength of his heart forever. He knows that all that are far from God shall perish, even though they appear to flourish. This is a temporary state. It is good for him to draw near to God in whom he puts his trust. He will declare all his works.
Psalm 73 reminds me of the sentiment found in the phrase, only the good die young or nice guys finish last. These lies are usually spoken to encourage someone to look around, like Asaph did, and see how the wicked people seem to be doing very well, even flaunting their wickedness. So why should you be good during these times it may be easy for my eyes to grow green with envy. I may wonder why God is allowing me to suffer when the lives of the wicked seem to be fun and carefree. But like Asaph, I ask God to remind me of His holy word and His promises. He commands me to set my affections on things above and not on things of this earth. My treasure is in heaven and he even provides me with earthly blessings. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Father, I thank you for your priceless gift of salvation through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ. My heart is strengthened to know that I will be eternally in heaven with you.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Elizabeth Expands:
In Psalm 39 Is My Living In Vain, we talked about the options for chief musicians, whom the psalms had been addressed for. One that was brought up were the Sons of Asaph. Today’s Psalm, in contrast, is attributed to Asaph himself.
Each of the Psalms of Asaph are unique from one another, and cannot be lumped together into a solitary meaning. It is worth sitting down and carefully examining the similarities and differences to understand the full story of God’s nature being revealed through these songs that eternally point back to Elohim or Yahweh. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psalms_of_Asaph.
Meet Elizabeth Baber
Elizabeth Baber is the latest addition to the Debra Hill Sings team, working as the head Virtual Assistant for the wonderful woman herself. Elizabeth would identify as an author(ess), spreadsheet fanatic, and all-around geek. The majority of her time is spent serving Central Virginia’s low-vision patients as a technician with the MedRVA Foundation.
When not at work, she can be found cooking with her fiancé, coaching Teen Bible Quizzing, wrestling novel ideas, running an online Dungeons and Dragons server, or trying her hand at one of a hundred rotating crafting hobbies.
Some of her work can be found on her website: www.writingonwords.com and you can contact her at elizabeth@writingonwords.com.
The Psalms In Your Palm Weekly Series
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
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Each song is paired with a Sunday Psalm and reflection, blending scripture and sound to inspire peace, understanding and connection.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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