Bible Study by Richard Moore. Lesson 7. Psalm 73. Day One. God Is Good. Psalm 73:1

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1 Bible Study by Richard Moore Lesson 7 Psalm 73 Day One God Is Good Psalm 73:1 Some of these verses will be treated a bit more briefly that some of the last lessons, due to the nature of the study of this Psalm, that being especially that it treats throughout one main topic. It sets forth a comparison of the two seeds found in the midst of this world and their portion in this life, and the judgment of God in that portion, and the final end for them. It is a Psalm that touches our lives and experiences as we traverse this life as pilgrims in the midst of the world. We trust that this lesson, even if a bit shorter will be very beneficial to us. RGM "He celebrates the providence of God, especially as it is extended towards genuine saints; to show them, not only that they are governed by God in common with other creatures, but that he watches over their welfare with special care, even as the master of a family carefully provides for and attends to his own household. God, it is true, governs the whole world; but he is graciously pleased to take a more close and peculiar inspection of his Church, which he has undertaken to maintain and defend. his is the reason why the prophet speaks expressly of Israel; and why immediately after he limits this name to those who are right of heart; which is a kind of correction of the first sentence; for many proudly lay claim to the name of Israel, as if they constituted the chief members of the Church, while they are but Ishmaelites and Edomites." Commentary by Calvin Scripture Reading for this Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9 "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old." Read Also: Psalm 84:11; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6-7; Matthew 5:8; Titus 3:5 Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. Considering the content of the whole Psalm, why does the Psalmist begin by calling attention to God's goodness? 1

2 2. How should we do this in our homes and private life? 3. Do we do this in some way when going to Church? discussion 4. Why does the Psalmist use the second phrase of this verse to further define the first phrase? 5. In the modern church world is there the same need for definition of Israel? Why? A few comments concerning this lesson: I should mention that there is some question as to who penned this Psalm, some such as Calvin would maintain that this is also the work of David, but many others conclude that the title in most of our Bibles is correct and that it was Asaph. Even as Calvin states it does not make too much difference who we say is the author of this Psalm, so I. But I prefer to agree with many that do attribute this Psalm to Asaph, who apparently was chief of the musicians that put to music many of the Psalms of David. Certainly a man of God. And then also we remember with thankfulness that it was the Spirit of Christ that led the holy writers to set forth the Scriptures, and the Spirit is the ultimate author of them all. The Psalmist begins this Psalm with the praise of God, especially to His goodness toward His children. The Psalmist is going to give expression to the doubts and trials that can arise in the heart and life of God's children. He will speak of the temptations that he faced in light of the portion that the wicked and the elect receive in this life. But before he explains this experience which he had, he assures the readers of the fact that we must always begin and end our lives with the praise of God's goodness in all things. In this Psalm we will see how he comes to this confession when also observing the antithetical portion of man. God is good to Israel, God is good to His church! This must always be our confession, even as Paul expressed it in Romans 8:28.. That Jehovah is good to the church means that all things work together for her salvation. Good is to be blessed by our God, and to know Him and His love for us in Christ. We are the recipients of this good, that is such as are of a clean heart. Those with a clean heart are those with a heart cleansed by the blood of Christ and His Spirit. Those clean of heart are the elect of God, who have been the object of His love from eternity and are therefore covered by the blood of our Lord, God's Only Begotten Son. So that Asaph defines the church, those made righteous by atonement and those sanctified by the Spirit. Not Israelites by name only, but in faith, by the power of the Spirit. We also must begin each day acknowledging that God is good towards His Church no matter what the portion is that we receive that day. We do this in morning prayer, and we do this in our instruction of our children, we do this with great thankfulness in our hearts, to the God of our salvation. It is in the same manner we come to Church expecting the goodness of God to be upon us through the preaching and our fellowship with the saints. Conclusion: Praise God for His goodness and His covenant love towards us always. 2

3 Day Two Tempted To Be Envious Psalm 73:2-3 "When were the feet moved, except when the heart was not right? Whence was the heart not right? Hear: My steps were well nigh overthrown. What he hath meant by almost, the same he hath meant by well nigh: and what he hath meant by my feet were almost moved, the same he hath meant by my steps were overthrown. Almost my feet were moved, almost my steps were overthrown. Moved were the feet: but whence were the feet moved and the steps overthrown? Moved were the feet to going astray, overthrown were the steps to falling: not entirely, but almost. But what is this? Already I was going to stray, I had not gone: already I was failing, I had not fallen. But why even this? For I was jealous, he saith, in the case of sinners, looking on the peace of sinners (ver. 3). I observed sinners, I saw them to have peace. What peace? Temporal, transient, falling, and earthly: but yet such as I also was desiring of God. I saw them that served not God to have that which I desired in; order that I might serve God: and my feet were moved and my steps were almost overthrown." Commentary by Augustine Scripture Reading for this Lesson: Romans 7:23-25 "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Also Read: Psalm 17:5; Psalm 38:16; Proverbs 24:1; Jeremiah 12:1; James 5:1. Consider the following Questions for the Lesson: 1. What is the significance of the terms,"almost gone",and "well nigh"? 2. Why does Asaph speak of his "feet" and his "steps"? 3. Why is the prosperity of the wicked a temptation to us? 4. Do we have this in our lives, within the home, or even within the church? How? A few thoughts concerning this passage: The holy writer now begins to show the temptation that surrounds the true child of God as he passes through this life as a pilgrim and a stranger. When we consider what the Spirit says unto the church through these verses we ought to apply these thoughts to our own lives. This means that we too will admit that we have these temptations and should be warned against them. And this should serve to lead us in prayer to God for the strength to overcome these temptations, and not fall. Asaph takes note that he was tempted and almost fell into following the temptation that was before 3

4 him. This was real to him and he almost succumbed to the temptation of satan that came to him through the observance of the ways of the wicked. This he expresses saying his feet were almost gone and steps had well nigh slipped. There was real danger for him as a child of God as he observed the life of the wicked. And we must be aware of the power of the temptation of looking to the way of the wicked as some kind of good way, or even a blessed way. Asaph will explain later what delivered him from falling, but the temptations are real and when we are not in the strength of faith they make inroads into our lives for a time. And this is miserable. That which caused him to almost "nearly" fall, was envy of the portion of the wicked. He saw their prosperity and it looked good, it seemed as though the life of the wicked, way of the wicked, the steps of the wicked were such as to have ease and much "comfort." And we can likewise want to have the portion of the wicked about us, we would like to have their fancy cars, their big homes, their realtive ease in this earthly life, so that we are tempted to join them. Conclusion: We need to hear the Scripture say, Psalm 37:1 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity." Pray for grace to have eyes for the things of God's kingdom, and not for earthy things. We need to recognize further our own weakness and inclination to do that which we will not, cf. Romans 7 above. Day Three Wicked Compassed By Pride Psalm 73:4-6 "But I am rather inclined to agree with those who read these two clauses jointly in this way: Their strength is vigorous, and, in respect to them, there are no bands to death; because they are not dragged to death like prisoners. As diseases lay prostrate our strength, they are so many messengers of death, warning us of the frailty and short duration of our life. They are therefore with propriety compared to bands, with which God binds us to his yoke, lest our strength and rigour should incite us to licentiousness and rebellion.... Now, when we consider that the life of men is full of labor and miseries, and that this is the law and condition of living appointed for all, it is a sore temptation to behold the despisers of God indulging themselves in their luxurious pleasures and enjoying great ease, as if they were elevated above the rest of the world into a region of pleasure, where they had a nest for themselves apart... The amount of what is stated is, that the wicked are so blinded with their prosperity, as to become more and more proud and insolent. The Psalmist has very properly put pride first in order, and then added violence to it as its companion; for what is the reason why the ungodly seize and plunder whatever they can get on all sides, and exercise so much cruelty, but because they account all other men as nothing in comparison of themselves; or rather persuade themselves that mankind are born only for them? The source, then, and, as it were, the mother of all violence, is pride." Commentary by Calvin Scripture Reading for the Lesson: Job 21:7-14 "Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Their seed is 4

5 established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways" Read Also: Proverbs 3:31; Psalm 17:14; Jeremiah 48:11; Proverbs 3:11-12; Proverbs 1:9; I Peter 5:5 Consider the following Questions for the Lesson: 1. Is it true that the wicked seem to have no bands in their death? Explain a bit. 2. Give an example of the wicked seeming to have a firm strength in this life. 3. Why is it not good for us to have no trouble in this life, or not to be plagued as it seems to be the case with the wicked. 4. Have you known godly children who seem to be chastened more than any within your congregation? Is there a relationship between the two, that is being godly by grace and being oft chastened? 5. Why does violence follow pride? Do we see that when we are sinfully proud? A few thoughts concerning this passage: The Psalmist now writes the reasons that he was envious of the wicked by revealing some of the things that he observed of the way of the wicked. He looked at their portion and with the senses he observed things that appeared to be so that would lead him to be envious. Now understand that this is true when the child of God in little faith only looks at things, at the outward appearances of the portion God sends to the wicked as well as to those whose heart is clean, the elect. He observes that it appears that the wicked have no bands in their death, but their strength is firm. It appears outwardly that the wicked do not have to suffer as many illnesses or the dreads of death that we face as children of God. They seem to have more strength of life, and can do often whatever they please. In this last instance we think of the many professional athletes who build their bodies strong, and who have no compunction to refrain from breaking the sabbath, and thus make millions of dollars following their own good pleasure, rather than God's. Or we might consider the rich who can buy the best of medical care to stay healthy or to get over illness quickly or by the latest technology, etc. It appears that following their own desire, they move without regard to church to find a climate that will enable them to live longer, etc. So the Psalmist goes on to say, that they are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. It seems as though they do not have all the troubles of God's people who are often chastened and tried. They are able to escape the difficulties that we cannot for they do not care what the Word says. They will deceive, they will bribe, they will cheat, they will find a way around those things that we cannot escape it seems. They can and do work on Sunday to make extra monies to do as they please and again escape to satisfy their own lusts, so they seem happy and at ease. They believe that they can deliver themselves from any trouble and are filled with pride. The 5

6 CEO's take millions, and care not about the little people that work for them or that have to get along on little, etc. They are self - dependent it appears, and the more strong, more rich they become the more they think of themselves highly. And so they think nothing of causing others pain or of resorting to violence to get their ways. Quite a picture of natural man. Also this can be true of us when we walk not in faith, but in sin. You know the stronger you are as a child the more advantage you took of other children, you see this in your own family. When one walks in this way he is not thinking about loving his neighbor,nor God. But not all is as it seems, we do not see the turmoil of the soul that sends the wicked or unbeliever to drugs, sex, and any thing else in order to try to escape the conscience which condemns their walk and testifies of coming judgment and not only temporal death, but eternal death if there be no repentance. Conclusion: We must acknowledge that it often seems as though the wicked do not have the cares of this life bothering him as he fulfills the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. But this does not mean that they are blessed or favored of God. This Asaph had to learn and so must we by God's grace. Otherwise we will not only almost fall but shall surely fall into the snares of temptation and sin. Day Four Setting The Mouth Against The Heavens Psalm 73:7-9 "But as fat causes the eyes to project from the head, I prefer retaining the proper meaning of the words. Let it, however, be observed, that David is not to be understood as speaking of the bodily countenance, but as expressing metaphorically the pride with which the ungodly are inflated on account of the abundance which they possess. They so glut and intoxicate themselves with their prosperity, that afterwards they are ready to burst with pride.... If we are inclined to take this view of the words, this clause will be added by way of exposition, to teach us what is meant by that fatness, spoken of before that it means that God heaps upon the wicked, and fills them with, an abundance of all good things, beyond what they had ever either desired or thought of.... we see that wicked men, after having for some time got every thing to prosper according to their desires, cast off all sham and are at no pains to conceal themselves when about to commit iniquity, but loudly proclaim their own turpitude. What! they will say, is it not in my power to deprive you of all that you possess, and even to cut your throat? Robbers, it is true, can do the same thing; but then they hide themselves for fear.... When the poor and the afflicted find themselves at the mercy of these wicked men, they cannot but tremble, and, so to speak, melt and dissolve upon seeing them in possession of so much power. With respect to the expression, They speak from on high, implies, that they pour forth their insolent and abusive speech upon the heads of all others.... Here it is declared that they utter their contumelious speeches as well against God as against men; for they imagine that nothing is too arduous for them to attempt, and flatter themselves that heaven and earth are subject to them. If any should endeavor to alarm them by setting before them the power of God, they audaciously break through this barrier; and, with respect to men, they have no idea of any difficulty arising from such a quarter. Thus, there is no obstacle to repress their proud and vaunting speeches, but their tongue walketh through the whole earth. This form of 6

7 expression seems to be hyperbolical; but when we consider how great and unbounded their presumption is, we will admit that the Psalmist teaches nothing but what experience shows to be matter of fact." Commentary by Calvin Scripture Reading for this Lesson: II Peter 2:10-19 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." Read Also: Psalm 17:10; Jeremiah 5:28; Jude 16; Daniel 7:25; James 3:6-8. Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. Have you had the same thoughts about the wicked which is expressed in verse seven? Perhaps give an example. 2. Why do you think that as the wicked increase in worldly ease that they become more corrupt and speak so wickedly? 3. Why do you believe that this is even more evident as the end draws nearer for this world? 4. What do you believe is the reason that when the wicked oppress others that they are given to boast about the oppression they cause upon others? 5. Why is the progression such that not only the wicked boast in their wickedness, but that they speak against heaven and what does it mean to speak against heaven? 6. What is the idea of the last phrase "their tongue walketh through the earth? A few thoughts concerning this text: Not only do we see the portion of the wicked as one that for the flesh appears light or easy, but those same wicked we observe are those that seem to revel in their wickedness and still receive such a 7

8 portion from God. This is one of the main things that Asaph struggles with that almost led Asaph's feet to slip. That their eyes stand out in fatness, is a figure that points out that the wicked seem to prosper in the midst of this world. We have already noted this in several areas of life - sports, execs, entertainers and union heads, etc. But also those who live only to work and care not for family or worship, etc. seem to have prosperity in this world. From an earthly point of view the wicked do have more than the children of God. They do not support the kingdom causes like we do, they do not send their children to parental schools and use their money for their own things. So when we look at all the "good" things they seem indeed to have more than their heart could wish. No wonder Asaph was tempted. Especially when he considers the evil ways in which they live and still their portion for the flesh looks so good. Indeed the more the wicked seem to gain in worldly things and life the more they sin. Rather than thankfulness to God, they believe themselves as little gods. They are corrupt and speak wickedly, there mouths become more vain as they become seemingly a power unto themselves. Not only so but the more they have the more they want, and they will oppress any that get in the way of their gaining even more power, earthly honor, and would oppose their pride and greed. This is increasingly the case as the end of time comes near, and wickedness prevails more and more. Many antichrists arise and antichrist is the epitome of the wicked described by Asaph. This becomes plain also as their mouths are set against the heavens. They not only oppress man, and care not what man says about them, but they speak directly and indirectly against God. They flaunt themselves over against the sovereign power of the Holy and Just God. And they boast in it all, their tongue walketh through the earth. Conclusion: We must see the wickedness of this way, and not be tempted to follow it in any manner. Our old man loves this path, and as the writer says he was tempted and so shall we be and so are we, but we must remember that Asaph is led to see the reason they receive so much in earthly things while continuing and growing in their wickedness. Day Five How doth God Know Psalm 73:10-12 "In all this they were very atheistical and profane. They could not have been thus wicked if they had not learned to say (v. 11), How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High? So far were they from desiring the knowledge of God, who gave them all the good things they had and would have taught them to use them well, that they were not willing to believe God had any knowledge of them, that he took any notice of their wickedness or would ever call them to an account. As if, because he is Most High, he could not or would not see them, Job 22: Whereas because he is Most High therefore he can, and will, take cognizance of all the children of men and of all they do, or say, or think. What an affront is it to the God of infinite knowledge, from whom all knowledge is, to ask, Is there knowledge in him? Well may he say (v. 12), Behold, these are the ungodly. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible 8

9 Scripture Reading for this text: Ezekiel 8:12 "Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth." Read Also: Psalm 75:8; Revelation 14:10; Zephaniah 1:12; Isaiah 29:15; Psalm 52:7; Luke 16:25. Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. To what does the term "therefore" refer to? 2. Why are the waters of a full cup wrung out to them? 3. Who is it that says, How doth God know? 4. What do these say that God does not know by this statement? 5. How can any deny that there is knowledge in the Most High? 6. Do we also conclude that the ungodly prosper in the world and increase in riches? A few comments concerning this passage: The clearest understanding of verse ten is that "his people," refers to God's people and that because of what Asaph has witnessed his people have also witnessed the same things, they return hither. Therefore, says Asaph because of this which he has just explained about the portion of the wicked many of God's people have returned to the place Asaph has come. That is their feet almost slip. Also he says of the children of God that the waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. That is because of the wicked way, and their complete disregard for God, God's children come under many trials. However, we should understand that the greatest is the spiritual distress of coming to this point of doubt as to the way of the wicked and of the righteous. Asaph experienced this and so do we. Now Asaph continues and concludes his observance of the wicked's lot. The more they prosper the more they increase in riches, and the harder they become in their hearts even to the point of denying that God sees their iniquity and sin, They become ever more bold and outrageous in their life of ungodliness. How does God know, they deny his divinity, is there knowledge in the most High? They deny His judgment. And again Asaph says they prosper and grow in riches. Conclusion: Certainly Asaph and we must conclude these are the ungodly, but we must not view their portion as a blessing. No common grace as we soon shall learn from Asaph. 9

10 Day Six Plagued All Day Psalm 73:13 14 He looked at home, and felt himself under the continual frowns of Providence, while the wicked were sunning themselves in its smiles (v. 14): "For my part," says he, "all the day long have I been plagued with one affliction or another, and chastened every morning, as duly as the morning comes." His afflictions were great-he was chastened and plagued; the returns of them were constant, every morning with the morning, and they continued, without intermission, all the day long. This he thought was very hard, that, when those who blasphemed God were in prosperity, he that worshiped God was under such great affliction. He spoke feelingly when he spoke of his own troubles; there is no disputing against sense, except by faith.... Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain, and have, to no purpose, washed my hands in innocency. See here what it is to be religious; it is to cleanse our hearts, in the first place, by repentance and regeneration, and then to wash our hands in innocency by a universal reformation of our lives. It is not in vain to do this, not in vain to serve God and keep his ordinances; but good men have been sometimes tempted to say, "It is in vain," and "Religion is a thing that there is nothing to be got by," because they see wicked people in prosperity. But, however the thing may appear now, when the pure in heart, those blessed ones, shall see God (Matt 5:8), they will not say that they cleansed their hearts in vain." from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible Scripture Reading for the Lesson: Hebrews 12:5-10 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." Read Also: Job 35:3; Malachi 3:14; Psalm 26:6; James 4:8; Hebrews 12:5; I Peter 1:6. Consider the following Questions for the Lesson: 1. What is the relationship between heart and hands? 2. How has the Psalmist cleansed his heart and washed his hands? 3. Is it true that as children of God and we look at our lives that we are plagued all day, and chastened every morning? 4. By using the terms all day and every morning what is pointed by the writer concerning our chastening? 10

11 A few thoughts concerning this passage: Having written concerning the apparent portion of the wicked and its apparent ease, the Psalmist now turns to his own experience with the lot in life. Doing this he sees himself as a child of God that has rightly carried himself before God. This has been true he notes especially in his worship. In other words he has obeyed God's commandments with respect to his worship and his life. This is not boasting, and the Psalmist does not imply that he does this perfectly, but in principle this has been his life, he has served God according or in harmony with God's Word. We ought to be able to say this as well. However, when his feet had almost slipped, his faith was weakened, all he could see in his life was the being plagued and chastened. The way which was his portion seemed so very hard, to the point it was difficult to bear. And he wonders aloud have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in vain? Notice he refers to the whole of his life, as from the heart are the issues of life, and the hands are an instrument to put those issues into practice. Now at the time he almost slipped, he was tempted to say the wicked have all things and to say to worship God is vain. Now remember he did not say this, but he was sorely tempted to so speak. I believe that we have all experienced this. We are tempted to say, why continue to walk as children of God when in this life it seems to lead us to so much trouble? Much easier it would be to go along with the world and have a lighter portion in this life, such is the temptation. And this is real. It basically was the same temptation that satan brought against Christ, in the garden. But Christ always said "It is written." and so must we. It is true that the children of God are often troubled in this life and the chastenings of God are many. Yet we may not speak against the way of God with us. Conclusion: Not according to the flesh, but in faith we must see the portion of man.. And Asaph also is led to confess this and we will with him in the next verses. Day Seven Entering the Sanctuary of God Psalm 73 :15-17 "He found himself before involved in doubt, but now he acknowledges that he had grievously offended; and the reason of this he places between the words in which he expresses these two states of mind: which is, because God always sees to it, that there are some of his own people remaining in the world. He seems to repeat the demonstrative particle, Behold! for the sake of contrast. He had a little before said, Behold! these are the ungodly; and here he says, Behold! the generation of thy children. It is assuredly nothing less than a divine miracle that the Church, which is so furiously assaulted by Satan and innumerable hosts of enemies, continues safe.... It is of himself that he speaks; and although he applied his mind to the investigation of divine subjects, not only earnestly, but with all humility; and although, at the same time, he contemplated, according to his small measure, the high judgments of God, not only with attention, but also with reverence, yet he confesses that he failed of success; for the word trouble fc190 here implies unprofitable or lost labor. Whoever, therefore, in applying himself to the examination of God s judgments, expects to become acquainted with them by his natural 11

12 understanding, will be disappointed, and will find that he is engaged in a task at once painful and profitless; and, therefore, it is indispensably necessary to rise higher, and to seek illumination from heaven.... Until God become my schoolmaster, and until I learn by his word what otherwise my mind, when I come to consider the government of the world, cannot comprehend, I stop short all at once, and understand nothing about the subject. When, therefore, we are here told that men are unfit for contemplating the arrangements of Divine Providence until they obtain wisdom elsewhere than from themselves, how can we attain to wisdom but by submissively receiving what God teaches us both by his Word and by his Holy Spirit?" Commentary by Calvin Scripture Reading for the Lesson: Acts 8:31-35 "And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." Read Also: Malachi 3:16; Psalm 14:5; Psalm 22:30; Psalm 24:6; I Peter 2:9; Ecclesiastes 8:17; Romans 11:33. Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. Who are the generation of God's children? 2. Why if Asaph speaks thus does it offend? 3. What do you think caused the pain for Asaph as he reflects upon his thoughts? 4. What is it to go into the sanctuary of God? 5. How does this serve our understanding? 6. What end of the wicked is spoken of in our text? A few thoughts concerning this passage: The holy writer begins now to reflect upon his thoughts concerning the portion of the wicked and the righteous. As he does so, he realizes by grace if he were to say, that is to speak and follow the above reasoning, he would transgress against God, and also against the people of God. He confesses as it were already in this verse, that such speech would be sinful, and such thoughts would be vain. In fact if he would say, I will speak thus and take the position that the children of God's worship and life are vain, he would indeed offend God and His people. For such speech and walk would lead not only him into deep sin, but any that would listen to him. There is a generation of God's children always in the earth, and we are always responsible to love one another, and to speak only that which shall edify and strengthen one another. 12

13 When the writer thought to know this, it was too painful for him. There are two ideas here perhaps, first to attempt to understand God's ways with the wicked and the righteous cannot be found out by human reasoning as Calvin notes. Our understanding always would fail, it is too hard (painful) to attempt to know the depths of God and His way with man. But, secondly, there is also the idea that to find himself so reasoning was painful for Asaph, for he was calling into question the ways of Jehovah. You know how painful that is when you also question God, ours indeed is not to reason why, but to humbly submit to the will of God in faith. And our God gives us the means to do this as well. For He gives to us His precious Word. Asaph went into the sanctuary of God. Asaph came under the Word of God, where our reason fails, God's word leads. The word of God makes clear the ways of God and guides us in the pathway of life in faith. He then can understand their end, The pathway is a pathway of destruction itself, or the pathway of life for God's children. More of this later as we consider what the writer and we learn under the Word of Christ. Conclusion: Precious Word of our Lord that delivers us from all our doubts and temptations. Day Eight Set In Slippery Places Psalm 73:18-20 Both the verbs of this verse are in the past tense; but the first, to set them in slippery places, is to be understood of the present time, as if it had been said, God for a short period thus lifts them up on high, that when they fall their fall may be the heavier. This, it is true, seems to be the lot of the righteous as well as of the wicked; for everything in this world is slippery, uncertain, and changeable. But as true believers depend upon heaven, or rather, as the power of God is the foundation on which they rest, it is not said of them that they are set in slippery places, notwithstanding the frailty and uncertainty which characterizes their condition in this world. What although they stumble or even fall, the Lord has his hand under them to sustain and strengthen them when they stumble, and to raise them up when they are fallen.... Nay, rather, if by faith we would look from a distance at the judgments of God daily approaching nearer and nearer, nothing would happen which we would regard as strange or difficult to be believed; for the surprise which we feel proceeds from the slowness and carelessness with which we proceed in acquiring the knowledge of Divine truth. fc197 When it is said, They are consumed with terrors, it may be understood in two ways. It either means that God thunders upon them in such an unusual manner, that the very strangeness of it strikes them with dismay; or that God, although he may not lay his hand upon his enemies, nevertheless throws them into consternation, and brings them to nothing, solely by the terror of his breath, at the very time when they are recklessly despising all dangers, as if they were perfectly safe, and had made a covenant with death.... The prophet, therefore, commands us to awake, that we may perceive that all which we gaze at in this world is nothing else than pure vanity; even as he himself, now returning to his right mind, acknowledges that he had before been only dreaming and raving. The reason is added, because God will make their image to be despised, or render it contemptible. By the word image some understand the soul of man, because it was formed after the image of God. But in my opinion, this exposition is unsuitable; for the prophet 13

14 simply derides the outward pomp or show fc199 which dazzles the eyes of men, while yet it vanishes away in an instant." Commentary by Calvin Scripture Reading for this Lesson: Jeremiah 23:12 "Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD." Read Also: Deuteronomy 32:25; Psalm 35:6; Psalm 94:23; II Thessalonians 1:9; I Thessalonians 5:3; Revelation 18:10; Proverbs 28:1; Psalm 90:5-6; Psalm 78:65-66; Isaiah 29:7 Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. What does the fact that they are set in slippery places speak of concerning the wicked's whole life? 2. What is the relationship between being set in slippery places and their being cast down into destruction? 3. The desolation that comes upon the wicked is said to be in a moment, what does this mean? 4. What does consumed with terrors tell you about the coming judgment? 5. What is the idea expressed in the phrase,"as a dream when one awaketh"? 6. Does the fact that the writer speaks of God's awakening teach that God was absent from governing the wicked in their sin? A few thoughts concerning this passage: The Psalmist now goes on to explain the end he is made to understand. First with respect to the way of the wicked, he declares that God has set the wicked in slippery places. Having the Word direct his thoughts the writer is able to see that all the apparent riches and ease of life were so many slippery places for the wicked. They are not at all to be desired by the elect, for those slippery places bring the wicked to swift destruction. There is no common grace taught here in this Psalm, but just the opposite, the way in which God has led the wicked and the portion that He gives to them serve their just condemnation. All those things that we can be tempted to desire of the wicked, his riches, ease of way, etc. are so many steps to their destruction. How terrible is the pathway of the wicked even when he thinks all is well. How we must take heed not to fall into that course of action, and humble ourselves before the Word. Further, Asaph is given eyes to see the truth concerning the wicked, that they are brought into desolation, their path is the path of vanity which goes nowhere but to judgment. This comes upon them when they believe themselves above God, as they believe they have to answer to none but themselves. Like the parable of the rich man and his barns they are, but destruction comes with swiftness and certainty; The end of course is to be cast forever into the lake of fire, hell is the end of their way, and they who are on that path are utterly consumed with terrors, even now, and forever in the 14

15 future. As a dream their fancy visions of who they are and what they want, shall soon fade away. They awake to the fact that their path has been such that they are worthy only of judgment, and it is a judgment they cannot escape. Jehovah the righteous God Who loves His own glory and His people brings them into judgment for He despises the image they portray. To the world they may seem glamorous and rich and without care but this image God hates for it is the image of sinful man who alone is worthy of judgment. God awakes to judgment, O, He has been judging them in the whole portion He has sent them, but He also makes an end of the wicked who exalt themselves over God and His people. They are brought into eternal desolation, where only there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Conclusion: Let us not be tempted to follow the paths of the wicked or to think their way is better, it is a perishing way, one that leads to sure destruction. May God give us grace to see with spiritual eyes the way in which we must go. Day Nine Pricked In Our Reins Psalm 73:21-22 "When those temporal things delighted me, my reins were changed. It may also be understood thus: because my heart was delighted in God, my reins also were changed, that is, my lusts were changed, and I became wholly chaste. My reins were changed. And hear how. And I was brought unto nothing, and I knew not (ver. 22). I, the very man, who now say these things of rich men, once longed for such things: therefore even I was brought to nothing when my steps were almost overthrown. And I was brought unto nothing, and I knew not. We must not therefore despair even of them, against whom I was saying such things. What is, I knew not? As it were a beast I became to Thee, and I am alway with Thee (ver. 23). There is a great difference between this man and others. He became as it were a beast in longing for earthly things, when being brought to nothing he knew not things eternal: but he departed not from his God, because he did not desire these things of demons, of the devil. For this I have already brought to your notice. The voice is from the Synagogue, that is, from that people which served not idols. A beast indeed I became, when desiring from my God things earthly: but I never departed from That my God." Commentary by Augustine Scripture Reading for the Lesson: Psalm 37:7-9 "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth." Read Also: Lamentations 3:13; Psalm 16:7; Psalm 69:5; Psalm 32:9; Ephesians 5:15. 15

16 Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. Why was his heart grieved? 2 What are the reins of man? 3. Have you been pricked in the reins? What does that mean to you? 4. How does the figure of a beast apply in our text? 5. Are we prone to this type of foolishness? 6. How do we become aware of our own folly? A few thoughts concerning this passage: Amazing grace, Asaph testifies of a wonder work of God's grace which he works in our inmost being by the power of His Word and Spirit. When come into the sanctuary, when come under the proclamation of the Word, we are humbled by that Word. We see our own weakness and sin, we see our utter dependence upon God and His Word to understand and to be led in the service of God alone. The Psalmist says his heart was grieved, Augustine refers to delighted, this was the positive fruit of being grieved in heart. When we are grieved in heart, we cannot boast and are made to be consciously to hope alone in our Lord. That is to be filled with delight, delight with being made free of our sin, delight to have a faithful savior. But in order to have that delight and joy of God's favor, we must first see our own sinfulness, and be humbled to trust in none other than in God. The power of God's Word as it is proclaimed is that in the depths of our being we are emptied of all of self. The reins are our kidneys, and the Scripture refers to them to refer to the depth of our being. Of course the heart is the only source of life from which flows forth all things. Hence deep humility is expressed by the Pslamist as He comes under the Word. This is seen also in his confession of foolishness and ignorance. He was as a beast likened to a dumb ox or ass when he doubted the ways in which God led man. This he now sees and confesses and this we must see. We cannot rely on our own reasoning ever, but must trust in the Lord. Asaph is led by God and His Word to do this. Conclusion: May we be so humbled by the Word that we ever look to God alone for blessing, and may we see that things are but means, means for condemnation or means for our salvation in the way of our repentance and walk in faith. Day Ten Held By God's Right Hand Psalm 73:23-24 When a man therefore imagines that God exercises no care about him, he is not with God, as to his own feeling or apprehension; but still that man, if he is not forsaken, abides with God, inasmuch as 16

17 God s secret or hidden grace continues with him. In short, God is always near his chosen ones; for although they sometimes turn their backs upon him, he nevertheless has always his fatherly eye turned towards them. When the Psalmist speaks of God as holding him by the right hand, he means that he was, by the wonderful power of God, drawn back from that deep gulf into which the reprobate cast themselves. He then ascribes it wholly to the grace of God that he was enabled to restrain himself from breaking forth into open blasphemies, and from hardening himself in error, and that he was also brought to condemn himself of foolishness; this he ascribes wholly to the grace of God, who stretched out his hand to hold him up, and prevent him from a fall which would have involved him in destruction. From this we see how precious our salvation is in the sight of God; for when we wander far from him, he yet continues to look upon us with a watchful eye, and to stretch forth his hand to bring us to himself." Commentary by Calvin Scripture Reading for the Lesson: Psalm 139:1-12 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." Read Also: Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 37:4; Isaih 43:13; Isaiah 48:17; John 16:13; II Corinthians 5:1 Consider the following Questions in the Discussion: 1. How does Asaph know that he is continually with God? 2. Do you have this assurance? 3. What is the meaning of God's holding our right hand? 4. Why our right hand? 5. Why is it important that God guides us by his counsel? 6. After what are we received to glory? 7. Have you memorized these two verses? Should we? 8. Does this truth make us careless and profane? 17

18 A few thoughts concerning this passage: After confessing his own unworthiness, weaknesses and sin, the holy writer goes on to confess salvation that is of grace only. Nevertheless, even though I had almost slipped, even though I am weak and a sinner, even then I am continually with God. This is the assurance of the elect child of God quickened by the Spirit as he is brought before the testimony of the Word. He confesses that he is with God, that is, in His care, loved by Him, and delivered from sin in the blood of His own dear Son. We are assured of this because of God's faithfulness alone. We have shown we cannot stand of ourselves, we even would question God's way with man, but God is faithful and keeps us as His covenant children. So that the living God holds us by our right hand. He really is our power, the idea of the right hand is the hand of power, but we have no power of ourselves to stand. But He takes us by our right hand, He by His grace through His Word and in the power of the Spirit sustains us in faith and in our walk. What a blessed confession for the broken and contrite sinner to make. And because it is God's faithfulness that makes the difference, we know that He guides us by His counsel. His counsel is His will for all things, it is eternal and sovereign as God is eternal and sovereign. He leads all things and all creatures by that counsel, and His providential rule over all things serve me says the Psalmist, and so by the grace of God say we. Even the prosperity of the wicked and the chastening of God's people serve to guide us through this life to salvation. The end is the making perfectly holy His people, as He cleanses us through the blood of Christ and brings us to glory after this life of trial and preparation. Conclusion: Therefore it matters not the portion the wicked or we receive, the portion prepares for eternity. And most blessedly our portion no matter what God sends leads us to glory to a life of fellowship with God in Christ. Praise the Lord Day Eleven Our Desire For God Psalm 73:25-26 "(he) declares that he desires nothing, either in heaven or in earth, except God alone, and that without God, all other objects which usually draw the hearts of men towards them were unattractive to him. And, undoubtedly, God then obtains from us the glory to which he is entitled, when, instead of being carried first to one object, and then to another, we hold exclusively by him, being satisfied with him alone. If we give the smallest portion of our affections to the creatures, we in so far defraud God of the honor which belongs to him. And yet nothing has been more common in all ages than this sacrilege, and it prevails too much at the present day. How small is the number of those who keep their affections fixed on God alone! We see how superstition joins to him many others as rivals for our affections. While the Papists admit in word that all things depend upon God, they are, nevertheless, constantly seeking to obtain help from this and the other quarter independent of him. Others, puffed up with pride, have the effrontery to associate either themselves or other men with God. On this account we ought the more carefully to attend to this doctrine, That it is unlawful for us to desire any other object besides God. By the words heaven and earth the Psalmist denotes every conceivable object; but, at the same time, he seems purposely to point to these two in particular. In saying that he sought none 18