This verse underscores the psalmist’s vulnerability and the fragile state of faith when confronted with overwhelming doubts.
In Psalm 73, attributed to Asaph (a Levite musician who served during King David’s reign around 1010-970 BC), the writer begins by expressing the intense spiritual struggle he experiences when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked. He openly declares: But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped (v.2). This admission reveals how close he was to losing heart, as if the apparent injustice in the world threatened to shake his trust in the LORD. The psalmist’s candor foreshadows his inward wrestling between doubt and faith.
By stating that his “steps had almost slipped,” the psalmist acknowledges that the boastful success and oppressive deeds of those who scorn God appeared, for a time, more rewarding than adhering to righteous living. Later in the psalm, he vividly describes the ungodly as wearing “pride” like a necklace, while “the garment of violence covers them” (Psalm 73:6).The word picture illustrates how their cruelty and arrogance envelop them completely—flaunting material comfort while showing no concern for others. In seeing this, Asaph’s own belief in God’s justice wavered, reflecting a deeply personal crisis of faith.
Nevertheless, the psalmist’s admission that he nearly faltered is a key step on his path to restoration. As the broader psalm unfolds, he reaffirms God’s sovereign goodness, realizing that divine justice does not always manifest immediately. His feet do not ultimately stumble into despair because he chooses to reorient his perspective toward eternal realities rather than present appearances (Psalm 73:17-20). The tension conveyed in Psalm 73:2 invites readers to acknowledge their own doubts and turn to the LORD with honesty, trusting that He remains just, even when circumstances appear unfair.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 73:2 meaning
In Psalm 73, attributed to Asaph (a Levite musician who served during King David’s reign around 1010-970 BC), the writer begins by expressing the intense spiritual struggle he experiences when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked. He openly declares: But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped (v.2). This admission reveals how close he was to losing heart, as if the apparent injustice in the world threatened to shake his trust in the LORD. The psalmist’s candor foreshadows his inward wrestling between doubt and faith.
By stating that his “steps had almost slipped,” the psalmist acknowledges that the boastful success and oppressive deeds of those who scorn God appeared, for a time, more rewarding than adhering to righteous living. Later in the psalm, he vividly describes the ungodly as wearing “pride” like a necklace, while “the garment of violence covers them” (Psalm 73:6).The word picture illustrates how their cruelty and arrogance envelop them completely—flaunting material comfort while showing no concern for others. In seeing this, Asaph’s own belief in God’s justice wavered, reflecting a deeply personal crisis of faith.
Nevertheless, the psalmist’s admission that he nearly faltered is a key step on his path to restoration. As the broader psalm unfolds, he reaffirms God’s sovereign goodness, realizing that divine justice does not always manifest immediately. His feet do not ultimately stumble into despair because he chooses to reorient his perspective toward eternal realities rather than present appearances (Psalm 73:17-20). The tension conveyed in Psalm 73:2 invites readers to acknowledge their own doubts and turn to the LORD with honesty, trusting that He remains just, even when circumstances appear unfair.