What I Noticed Today (Psalms 73, 77-78)
Psalm 73
Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm similar to Psalm 49.
In verses 1-14, Asaph affirms that God is good to those in Israel who are pure in heart, but admits that he had been envious of the prosperity of the wicked. The wicked did not suffer the way the rest of mankind suffered, and they continued to build up their wealth. This made Asaph wonder why God would allow the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffered.
In verses 15-28, Asaph recognized that the end of the wicked was to be cast down in ruin; to be destroyed. By contrast, Asaph recognized that God was always there to guide and counsel him. Concluding, Asaph says that those who are unfaithful will perish while those who are near God will be secure.
Psalm 77
In Psalm 77, Asaph cries out to God in his distress.
In verses 1-9, Asaph cried out to God all night in hopes of receiving comfort for his troubled spirit. He is confused because he feels abandoned by God, wondering if God’s silence was an indication that God had abandoned them.
In verses 10-20, Asaph decided to remember and meditate on the past deeds of the Lord, who had worked wonders for His people.
Psalm 78
Psalm 78 is considered an instructive Psalm in that it relates not only to the history of the Israelites relationship with God but a parable of how future generations should conduct themselves.
In verses 1-8, Asaph calls the people together to hear his teaching about the glorious deeds, power, and wonders of God so that the people would not forget the works of the Lord like their forefathers had done.
In verses 9-11, Asaph refers to a battle with the Ephraimites that the Israelites lost because they forgot about God.
In verses 12-72, Asaph describes God’s actions with Israel over their history.
In verses 12-39, the focus is on the Exodus, their time in the desert, and the people’s failure to obey God.
In verses 40-72, the focus is on everything God did from the time of the plagues to David’s installation as king, and the people’s obedience to God.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
