Psalms 73:10 - Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.

Generated Verse: Psalms 73:10

What does "Psalms 73:10" mean?


Psalm 73 is a lament by Asaph, who is struggling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked while the righteous seem to suffer. Verse 10, "Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance," is part of his description of the wicked's success and influence. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"Therefore their people return to them": This suggests that because the wicked are prospering and seemingly getting away with injustice, people are drawn to them. "Return" implies that people who might have distanced themselves from the wicked or even opposed them are now seeking their favor or aligning themselves with them. They may be doing this out of self-interest, hoping to share in the wicked's wealth or power. It also suggests that the wicked have gained popularity or a following.

"And they drink up waters of abundance": This phrase uses the metaphor of drinking water to represent partaking in the wicked's blessings or prosperity. "Waters of abundance" implies a large supply of wealth, pleasure, or success. People are eagerly consuming the fruits of the wicked's actions, either literally (sharing in their wealth) or figuratively (adopting their values and lifestyle). Some interpretations suggest it also alludes to people lapping up the words of the wicked (i.e. their teachings).

In essence, the verse is saying: Because the wicked appear to be successful and live lavishly, people are drawn to them and seek to benefit from their prosperity, essentially indulging in their "abundance".

Context and Significance:

This verse is crucial to understanding Asaph's struggle. He sees that wickedness seems to be rewarded, leading to increased influence and popularity. This challenges his faith and makes him question the value of righteousness. It highlights the temptation to compromise one's morals for worldly gain and the difficulty of remaining faithful when the wicked seem to thrive. The verse isn't meant to be a celebration of the wicked's success but rather a description of the troubling reality that Asaph is grappling with.

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