Psalms 73:19 - How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 73:19" mean?
Psalm 73 explores the struggle of the psalmist (Asaph) to reconcile the prosperity of the wicked with the suffering of the righteous. This specific verse, Psalm 73:19, is a crucial part of the psalmist's realization and resolution to this struggle. Let's break it down:
"How they are suddenly destroyed!" This emphasizes the unexpectedness and rapidity of the wicked's downfall. Asaph had been envious of their apparent ease and wealth, but this line highlights the fact that their good fortune is fleeting and can vanish in an instant. Their destruction comes swiftly, perhaps in old age, disease, ruin or just a sudden loss of status.
"They are completely swept away with terrors." This paints a picture of the utter devastation and overwhelming fear that accompanies their downfall. It's not just a simple loss; it's a complete and utter destruction, leaving them consumed by terror. This also implies a recognition of divine justice or a moral consequence for their wickedness.
In Context:
This verse is best understood in the broader context of Psalm 73:
1. Initial Envy: Asaph begins the Psalm by lamenting his envy of the wicked, who seem to prosper despite their wrongdoing (verses 2-12).
2. Doubts and Disappointment: He questions the value of his own righteousness, feeling that he has suffered for nothing (verses 13-14).
3. Entering the Sanctuary: A turning point occurs when Asaph enters God's sanctuary (verse 17). This suggests a moment of seeking God's perspective, perhaps through prayer, reflection, or worship.
4. Gaining Insight: In the sanctuary, Asaph gains a new understanding of the fate of the wicked. He realizes that their prosperity is temporary and that their end will be disastrous (verses 18-20). This is where verse 19 comes into play.
5. Renewed Trust: Having gained this insight, Asaph repents of his envy and reaffirms his trust in God (verses 21-28).
Meaning and Interpretation:
Divine Justice: Verse 19 is a powerful statement about divine justice. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their ultimate fate is destruction and terror.
Perspective Shift: It represents a crucial shift in Asaph's perspective. He moves from focusing on the surface-level appearance of the wicked's success to seeing the deeper reality of their eventual ruin.
Warning: It also serves as a warning against envying the wicked. Their apparent prosperity is not worth the price of their ultimate destruction.
Futility of Wickedness: Ultimately, this verse conveys the futility of a life lived without God. Material wealth and success are meaningless if they are not accompanied by a relationship with God and a life lived according to his principles.
Temporary Nature of Earthly Success: Earthly success and prosperity are fleeting and temporary. True and lasting treasure are found in a relationship with God and in living a righteous life.
In conclusion, Psalm 73:19 is a powerful statement about the sudden and terrifying destruction that awaits the wicked. It highlights the importance of gaining a godly perspective on the seeming prosperity of the wicked and reaffirms the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It's a reminder that true and lasting happiness is not found in material wealth or worldly success, but in a relationship with God and a life lived in accordance with His will.
Psalms 73:19 - How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
What does "Psalms 73:19" mean?
Psalm 73 explores the struggle of the psalmist (Asaph) to reconcile the prosperity of the wicked with the suffering of the righteous. This specific verse, Psalm 73:19, is a crucial part of the psalmist's realization and resolution to this struggle. Let's break it down:
"How they are suddenly destroyed!" This emphasizes the unexpectedness and rapidity of the wicked's downfall. Asaph had been envious of their apparent ease and wealth, but this line highlights the fact that their good fortune is fleeting and can vanish in an instant. Their destruction comes swiftly, perhaps in old age, disease, ruin or just a sudden loss of status.
"They are completely swept away with terrors." This paints a picture of the utter devastation and overwhelming fear that accompanies their downfall. It's not just a simple loss; it's a complete and utter destruction, leaving them consumed by terror. This also implies a recognition of divine justice or a moral consequence for their wickedness.
In Context:
This verse is best understood in the broader context of Psalm 73:
1. Initial Envy: Asaph begins the Psalm by lamenting his envy of the wicked, who seem to prosper despite their wrongdoing (verses 2-12).
2. Doubts and Disappointment: He questions the value of his own righteousness, feeling that he has suffered for nothing (verses 13-14).
3. Entering the Sanctuary: A turning point occurs when Asaph enters God's sanctuary (verse 17). This suggests a moment of seeking God's perspective, perhaps through prayer, reflection, or worship.
4. Gaining Insight: In the sanctuary, Asaph gains a new understanding of the fate of the wicked. He realizes that their prosperity is temporary and that their end will be disastrous (verses 18-20). This is where verse 19 comes into play.
5. Renewed Trust: Having gained this insight, Asaph repents of his envy and reaffirms his trust in God (verses 21-28).
Meaning and Interpretation:
Divine Justice: Verse 19 is a powerful statement about divine justice. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their ultimate fate is destruction and terror.
Perspective Shift: It represents a crucial shift in Asaph's perspective. He moves from focusing on the surface-level appearance of the wicked's success to seeing the deeper reality of their eventual ruin.
Warning: It also serves as a warning against envying the wicked. Their apparent prosperity is not worth the price of their ultimate destruction.
Futility of Wickedness: Ultimately, this verse conveys the futility of a life lived without God. Material wealth and success are meaningless if they are not accompanied by a relationship with God and a life lived according to his principles.
Temporary Nature of Earthly Success: Earthly success and prosperity are fleeting and temporary. True and lasting treasure are found in a relationship with God and in living a righteous life.
In conclusion, Psalm 73:19 is a powerful statement about the sudden and terrifying destruction that awaits the wicked. It highlights the importance of gaining a godly perspective on the seeming prosperity of the wicked and reaffirms the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It's a reminder that true and lasting happiness is not found in material wealth or worldly success, but in a relationship with God and a life lived in accordance with His will.