“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.” (v.28) These words conclude a psalm written by Asaph, a Levite who served as a musician and seer during the reign of King David around 1010-970 BC. Asaph’s role would have placed him in Jerusalem, the central city of worship for ancient Israel, located in the hilly region of Judea. By declaring that “the nearness of God is my good” (v.28), Asaph emphasizes that the highest blessing he can experience is not material wealth or social standing, but closeness with God. This closeness fosters a sense of peace and direction, underscoring that intimacy with the Lord transcends even the greatest earthly security.
In this verse, Asaph also proclaims, “I have made the Lord GOD my refuge” (v.28). In the broader biblical context, a refuge is a place of safety and protection. For Israelites in Asaph’s time, turning to God as a refuge meant confessing their dependence on Him for deliverance from adversity. The idea that God Himself is our hiding place echoes later Scriptures, such as Hebrews 13:5, which reminds believers that God will not forsake them. Ultimately, the sense of safety is anchored in a faith that trusts God’s steadfast character, regardless of external circumstances, and this is the same trust Jesus invites His followers to take part in (John 14:1).
Finally, Asaph expresses that his response to experiencing God’s protective presence is this: “That I may tell of all Your works.” (v.28) When God graciously shields and upholds His people, they respond by proclaiming His deeds and glory to others—a theme mirrored in the Great Commission, where followers of Jesus are called to share the good news (Matthew 28:19-20). The verse reveals a cycle of receiving God’s presence, finding refuge in Him, and then spreading testimony about His divine acts, providing deep meaning to Asaph’s declaration.
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Psalms 73:28 meaning
“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.” (v.28) These words conclude a psalm written by Asaph, a Levite who served as a musician and seer during the reign of King David around 1010-970 BC. Asaph’s role would have placed him in Jerusalem, the central city of worship for ancient Israel, located in the hilly region of Judea. By declaring that “the nearness of God is my good” (v.28), Asaph emphasizes that the highest blessing he can experience is not material wealth or social standing, but closeness with God. This closeness fosters a sense of peace and direction, underscoring that intimacy with the Lord transcends even the greatest earthly security.
In this verse, Asaph also proclaims, “I have made the Lord GOD my refuge” (v.28). In the broader biblical context, a refuge is a place of safety and protection. For Israelites in Asaph’s time, turning to God as a refuge meant confessing their dependence on Him for deliverance from adversity. The idea that God Himself is our hiding place echoes later Scriptures, such as Hebrews 13:5, which reminds believers that God will not forsake them. Ultimately, the sense of safety is anchored in a faith that trusts God’s steadfast character, regardless of external circumstances, and this is the same trust Jesus invites His followers to take part in (John 14:1).
Finally, Asaph expresses that his response to experiencing God’s protective presence is this: “That I may tell of all Your works.” (v.28) When God graciously shields and upholds His people, they respond by proclaiming His deeds and glory to others—a theme mirrored in the Great Commission, where followers of Jesus are called to share the good news (Matthew 28:19-20). The verse reveals a cycle of receiving God’s presence, finding refuge in Him, and then spreading testimony about His divine acts, providing deep meaning to Asaph’s declaration.