All of us should guard against the temptation to be misled by fleeting displays of abundance.
“Therefore His people return to this place, And waters of abundance are drunk by them.” (v.10)
Psalm 73 is traditionally attributed to Asaph, a Levite musician who served under King David around 1000 BC. Asaph, along with those following in his tradition, penned a series of psalms (73-83) that candidly depict the struggle of the righteous when they witness the prosperity of the wicked. In Psalm 73, he wrestles with the apparent success of proud, unjust people, which tempted him to doubt whether faithfully following God was worthwhile. By the time we reach verse 10, the psalmist has described the arrogant behavior of these people in detail. Then he observes, “Therefore His people return to this place, And waters of abundance are drunk by them.” (v.10) This statement highlights how the wicked’s worldly success can attract others, luring onlookers to the same path, as though the abundance they possess is irresistible.
When the psalmist says, “Therefore His people return to this place,” (v.10) he paints a picture of the faithful drifting into the orbit of the arrogant. They see the comforts and safety nets these evildoers enjoy, and it can create confusion. It seems as though injustice is rewarded, while principles of goodness go unnoticed. This theme echoes the broader complaint of Psalm 73—that the wicked prosper and escape suffering, leading people to wonder if purity of heart even matters. The “waters of abundance” (v.10) suggest material prosperity as well as a sense of ease that accompanies them. Essentially, Asaph is lamenting that many are driven by envy to return or resort to trusting in the same empty illusions that the corrupt flaunt.
Yet, the psalm ultimately demonstrates that this allure of the wicked is a mirage. Asaph later regains his spiritual footing when he enters God’s sanctuary and perceives the end of the proud (Psalm 73:17). He sees that trusting God brings ultimate security, while arrogance begets its own downfall. For believers today, reflecting on verse 10 can remind us that though worldly success may momentarily dazzle, the lasting richness of life is found in the Lord’s presence and truth (John 10:10). Resisting the temptation to follow the wicked’s example comes by clinging to God’s eternal perspective and recalling that our Creator alone provides lasting fulfillment.
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Psalms 73:10 meaning
“Therefore His people return to this place, And waters of abundance are drunk by them.” (v.10)
Psalm 73 is traditionally attributed to Asaph, a Levite musician who served under King David around 1000 BC. Asaph, along with those following in his tradition, penned a series of psalms (73-83) that candidly depict the struggle of the righteous when they witness the prosperity of the wicked. In Psalm 73, he wrestles with the apparent success of proud, unjust people, which tempted him to doubt whether faithfully following God was worthwhile. By the time we reach verse 10, the psalmist has described the arrogant behavior of these people in detail. Then he observes, “Therefore His people return to this place, And waters of abundance are drunk by them.” (v.10) This statement highlights how the wicked’s worldly success can attract others, luring onlookers to the same path, as though the abundance they possess is irresistible.
When the psalmist says, “Therefore His people return to this place,” (v.10) he paints a picture of the faithful drifting into the orbit of the arrogant. They see the comforts and safety nets these evildoers enjoy, and it can create confusion. It seems as though injustice is rewarded, while principles of goodness go unnoticed. This theme echoes the broader complaint of Psalm 73—that the wicked prosper and escape suffering, leading people to wonder if purity of heart even matters. The “waters of abundance” (v.10) suggest material prosperity as well as a sense of ease that accompanies them. Essentially, Asaph is lamenting that many are driven by envy to return or resort to trusting in the same empty illusions that the corrupt flaunt.
Yet, the psalm ultimately demonstrates that this allure of the wicked is a mirage. Asaph later regains his spiritual footing when he enters God’s sanctuary and perceives the end of the proud (Psalm 73:17). He sees that trusting God brings ultimate security, while arrogance begets its own downfall. For believers today, reflecting on verse 10 can remind us that though worldly success may momentarily dazzle, the lasting richness of life is found in the Lord’s presence and truth (John 10:10). Resisting the temptation to follow the wicked’s example comes by clinging to God’s eternal perspective and recalling that our Creator alone provides lasting fulfillment.