Psalm 73:1

Translations

Modern

A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

Traditional

A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

Literal

A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those pure of heart.

Latin

Psalmus Asaph. Quam bonus Israël Deus, his qui recto sunt corde!

Original

Hebrew

English

A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

Notes

Psalms 73:1

People with pure hearts (people who are sincere and devoted to God) are renewed by God’s Spirit (Psalm 51:10). They choose to live in a godly way, turn away from sin, and enjoy God’s presence (see Psalm 24:3–4).

Psalms 73:title

Asaph was a Levitical singer appointed by David (1 Chronicles 6:39). His descendants were singers and instrumentalists (1 Chronicles 15:16–17). Many of the Psalms of Asaph (Psalms 50, 73–83) were likely written by Asaph’s descendants later in Israel’s history (for example, Psalm 74).

Psalms 73:1–28

This wisdom psalm looks at the injustice of the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist states that God is good to the godly, but his own experience is different (Psalm 73:2–12).

Almost overwhelmed by doubt (Psalm 73:13–16), the psalmist meets the Lord in the sanctuary. This meeting gives him a broader view and renews his trust in God (Psalm 73:17–26). His troubling doubts lead to a stronger desire for truth. He knows he can trust God and that God will save him (Psalm 73:27–28).

Psalms 73:1–75:10

The seeming success of the wicked (Psalm 73) and God's apparent rejection of his people (Psalm 74) raise questions about his justice. God rules the entire world and decides when to judge (Psalm 75).

Theme notes and profiles

Complaints Material Reward Questions and Doubt The Heart in the Psalms Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
James 4:8
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
John 1:47
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”
Romans 2:28–29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.
Psalm 24:4
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.
Jeremiah 4:14
Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you?
Romans 4:16
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
1 Chronicles 25:1–6
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:
2 Chronicles 29:30
Then King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to sing praises to the LORD in the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed down and worshiped.

People

Asaph: Levite musician, psalmist, and ancestor of temple singers Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Asaph Music Poor, the Prayer Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of

Topics

Character of the Renewed Heart: Clean Cleanliness: Figurative God: Goodness of God: Love of, Exemplified Heart: Renewed: Clean Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Psalms: Didactic Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People

Psalm 73:1

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