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PSALM 73
THE ARGUMENT
The subject of this Psalm is the same with Psa 77, concerning the promiscuous carriage of God’s providence towards good and bad men
Or, for Asaph, the famous musician, to whom divers of David’s Psalms were committed, as Psa 1, &c. But because Asaph was not only a skilfull musician, but also was divinely inspired, and the author of some Psalms, as is manifest from 2Ch_29:30, and the style of this Psalm may seem to be something differing from that of David, it may be thought not improbable that Asaph was the author or penman of it.
The prophet under temptation by reason of wicked men’s prosperity, Psa_73:1-12. His diffidence thereupon, Psa_73:13-16. His way to overcome such temptations, i.e. the knowledge of God’s purpose in destroying the wicked, Psa_73:17-20, and that the faithful might be contented alone with God, and communion with him, Psa_73:21-28.
Truly; or, nevertheless. The beginning is abrupt and sufficiently intimates that he had a great conflict within himself about this matter, and that many doubts and objections were raised in his mind concerning it. But at last he breaks forth like the sun out of a cloud, and having by God’s grace silenced and conquered his scruples, he lays down this following conclusion.
God is good to Israel; though he may sometimes seem negligent of, and harsh and severe to, his people, yet, if all things be considered, it is most certain, and another day will be made manifest, that God is really and superlatively good, i.e. most kind and bountiful, and a true friend to them, and that they are most happy in him, and have no reason to envy sinners their present and seeming felicity.
To such as are of a clean heart; to all true Israelites, who love God with their whole heart, and serve him in spirit, and truth, and uprightness. See Joh_4:23 Rom_2:28,29. So this clause limits the former, and takes off a great part of the force of the objection, even all that concerns the calamities which befell the profane or false-hearted Israelites, which were vastly the greatest number of that people.