Psalm 73 - Truly God is good to Israel

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=125 BGCOLOR="#996699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f467d1erlcll.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>VoiceInWilderness.info</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="VoiceInWilderness.info"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 1 Happy is the man who walks not ">Psalm 1</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 2 Why do the nations proudly rage">Psalm 2</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 3 When David fled from Absalom hi">Psalm 3</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 4 Overcomer In my calling, answe">Psalm 4</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 5 Overcomer In the morning You w">Psalm 5</A>   |   <A HREF="psalm_6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 6 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Praise God in His S">Psalm 150</A>   |   <A HREF="song_of_moses.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Deuteronomy 32 The Song of Moses">Song of Moses</A>   |   <A HREF="hanna_s_song.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hannahs Song 1Samuel 2:110">Hanna's Song</A>  |  </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=349 style="border-right: 1px solid #CCCCCC;" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <U>Psalm 73 - Truly God is good to Israel</U><U> </U></div> <div> This is my son Isaac's favorite Psalm. </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v1</A> - Israel is a corporate matter of God's people. Pure in heart is an individual matter to God.  "Truly good" means that it may not seem to be good at the time, but truly it was good (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#rom8_28" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Rom 8:28-32</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v2</A> I wasn't going anywhere and almost was falling. This may be backsliding, going backward, or it could be just not advancing. (Heb <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#heb6_11" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">6:11-12; 12:12-15</A>). This state is not as bad as being cold or lukewarm (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#rev3_14" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Rev 3:15-16</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#3" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v3</A> - This is how it began. I became darkened in my thoughts. I started to envy those that were rich, that seemed to be having a good time (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#ps37_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Ps 37:1-2</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#3" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v4</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" > - "belly was full" is literally "body was fat".</FONT></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v5"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#5" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v5</A> - Lit. "They are not in trouble as mortal men, neither with mankind are they plagued."</div> <div> This is a facade (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#17" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v20</A>). </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v6_1_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#5" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v6</A> - "Therefore has pride encircled them" means that because of their seeming freedom from troubles, they were captivated by pride. This is why the Lord cannot allow his people to be free from troubles </FONT>(<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#2cor12_6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">2 Cor 12:6-10</A>).</div> <bR> <div> I believe that the 2nd 1/2 of v6 literally says, "A thorny covering of violence is to them." As thorns are a fallen form of self-defense, the meaning is that if anyone tries to reprove them, they violently attack him rather than accept the rebuke. This is due to pride.</div> <bR> <div> This 2nd 1/2 of v6 is usually translated "A garment of violence covers them." I do not agree that the Hebrew word "sheeth" means garment. With different vowels it commonly means thorns (i.e. <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#isa5_6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Isa 5</A><A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#isa5_6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>:</B></A><A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#isa5_6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">6; 7:23-25</A>, etc.). The only other place where the word is translated "garment" is Prov. 7:10 "And behold, there met him a woman in the garment of a harlot, and subtle of heart." I believe this would be more literally translated, "And behold a woman to meet him, a thorny harlot, and subtle of heart." "Thorny" may mean that she speaks verbal barbs or is impudent. Neither LXX, nor the Aramaic translated the word here in Ps 73:6 as "garment", however the Aramaic translated the same word in Prov 7:10 as "garment". I think the word "garment" is just a guess, used because it sounds like other verses.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v7"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v7</A> - Their moral and spiritual sight is affected by their having so much materially and socially (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#rev3_17" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Rev 3:17-18</A>; <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#rom11_8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Rom 11:8-10; Ps 69:22-23</A>; <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#matt6_21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Matt 6:21</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v8</A> - Oppressing and speaking esoterically often go together. </div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="v9"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v9</A> - Their speaking dominates the popular culture or the popular religious culture.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v10_1_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#10" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v10</A> - Lit. "Therefore His people return here <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" >and </FONT>waters of fullness are wrung out to them."</div> <div> I think the meaning of this verse is that when the Lord's people start to return to Him, these high-speaking ones wring all the money out of them and keep it for themselves. This indicates that these high speakers are religious leaders. Because their speaking seems high and prevails through all the land (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#9" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v9</A>),<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>when God's people return, they naturally come to these leaders for guidance, and they get wrung out. </div> <bR> <div> The words of this verse are similar to <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#jud6_34" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Judges 6:38 </A>where the words for "water", "full" and "wrung out" are also used. However I don't see any connection.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v10"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#10" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v1</A><A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#10" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">1</A> - They don't deny that God exists, but deny that He is concerned with minor human affairs. They say this in their heart to suppress the speaking of their conscience when they fleece God's returning people in <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#10" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v10</A>.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v12"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v12</A> - Lit. 'Behold, these are the wicked, and they prosper in the world. They heap up riches.'</div> <div> This is a concluding statement about them.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v13"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#13" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v13</A> - I think the world at this time was in an economic boom. Everyone seemed to be enjoying a party except for Asaph and those few like him who followed the Lord with a pure heart.</div> <bR> <div> If the reward of a godly life is prosperity in this world, then surely we have cleansed our thoughts and doings in vain (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#1cor15_19" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">1 Cor 15:19</A>).</div> <bR> <div> A prophet weeps while others are laughing. - Warren W. Wiersbe</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v14"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#13" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v14</A> - lit. and all day long I am stricken and my reproof for the mornings.</div> <div> ref <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#rom8_36" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Rom 8:36</A>; Ps 44:17-25</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v15"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#13" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v15</A> - "all of" is literally "the generation of"</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v16"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#13" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v16</A> - lit. it was a grievous task in my eyes.</div> <div> Up to this point, this Psalm is hard and heavy. Starting from the next verse the Psalm becomes lighter and enjoyable.</div> <bR> <div> It is good to ask these hard questions of God. Ask Him about His judgments that do not seem right, or about why things do not seem to be going according as His word has said. We should have it settled in our heart that God's word is true, and God is righteous. When we see things that seem to contradict either of these, we should not just cover them over, but formulate the question specifically and rationally and ask it to the Lord (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#ps5_3" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Psalm 5:3</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v17_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#17" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v17</A> - lit. sanctuaries of God</div> <div> We can think about something a lot by ourselves and become mentally exhausted and deceive ourselves (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#lk11_33" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Luke 11:33-36</A>).  Part of the reason Asaph could not see was because there was in him some envy of the rich (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#3" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v3</A>; <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#matt6_21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Matt 6:21-24</A>). </div> <bR> <div> But in the church we see. I find that during church meetings, the Lord often answers my questions that seem hard to me, often while a brother is speaking on an unrelated subject, or when  we discuss them in a small group meeting or afterwards. It becomes simple. I feel like a beast (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v22</A>), totally unspiritual,  for so misunderstanding it before (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#eph3_16" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Eph 3:18</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v18"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#17" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">vv18-19</A> - When there is an economic boom, suddenly the bubble bursts  (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#1thes5_2" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">1 Thes 5:2-4</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v20"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#17" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v20</A> - Lit. As a dream from which one awakes, Lord, in Your rising up, You shall despise their images.</div> <div> The Lord despises facades, hypocrisy. Having lots of money allows one to put up a false front. </div> <div> I believe that this verse refers to the Lord's 1st coming, when He arose out of the tribe of Judah (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#heb7_14" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Heb 7:14-15</A>; cf Job 17:8) and despised the hypocrisy of the religious and political leaders (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#zech11_4" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Zech 11:4,8; Matt 23:27-28; Mk 12:14-15; Lk 12:1-2</A>). </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v21"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v21</A> - It is wonderful to have our conscience pricked in the church meetings. If we are not meeting regularly with other Christians we will miss much of this convicting light. (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#heb3_12" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Heb 3:12-13; 10:24-25; 1 Cor 14:23-26</A>)</div> <bR> <div> For "reins" see note on <A HREF="psalm_16_v7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Psalm 16 More than refined gold My wel">Psalm 16:7</A>.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v22"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v22</A> - To consider material prosperity as the sign of blessing from the Lord is to be a beast with the Lord, to have no understanding. But it is good to be with the Lord, even when we are a beast. A "beast" here does not mean an evil or violent person like a lion, but a person incapable of understanding God's ways, like a cow (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#ps32_8" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Ps 32:9</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v23"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v23</A> - I have something far, far better than riches in the world or a life without troubles. I have the Lord's presence. Even when I was foolish like a beast, the Lord was always with me. Though He allows me to fall, He is always holding my right hand (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#ps37_23" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Ps 37:23-24</A>). </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v24"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#21" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v24</A> - I have the Lord's counsel by which He Himself intimately leads me (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#isa9_6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Isa 9:6; Ps 25:8-12; 32:8-10</A>).</div> <div> "Then" is literally, "and afterward.</div> <div> After a life in the Lord's presence, upheld by the Lord, and guided by the Lord, He will take me to glory! (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#rom2_6" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">Rom 2:6-10; 5:1-2; 8:18-21; 9:4, 22-24; 15:7; 1 Cor 2:7-10; 15:39-43; 2 Cor 3:17-18; 4:17; Eph 5:27; Phil 3:21; Col 3:4; 1 Thes 2:12; 1 Tim 3:16; 2 Tim 2:10; Heb 2:10; 1 Pet 1:7; 5:1-4, 10; Rev 21:10-11</A>)</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v25"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#25" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v25</A> - What are riches and prosperity compared to knowing God? They are nothing. This is to be pure in heart (<A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v1</A>).</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v26"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#25" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v26</A> - This is my son's favorite verse.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="34d36a80.jpg" border=0 width="310" height="168" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> "God is ... my portion forever. - In spite of all the follies and sins of the past and present we may have God's constant presence; and in Him we can have all and more than all that the godless find in their wealth. God in heaven; God in the pathway of daily life; God in the heart - this is blessedness" - F.B. Meyer, <I>Choice Notes on the Psalms</I></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="n27"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#25" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v27</A> - To love money is to go a whoring from God. This is so serious. We must guard our heart.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="v28"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_m.htm#28" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">v28</A> - The conclusion is that it is best for me to draw near to God, trust Him and declare His works.</div> <div> "in the gates of Zion" comes from LXX. The verse is not preserved in DSS.</div> <bR> <div> -copyright Steve Miller 2008</div> <div> written 10/16/2008</div> <div> update 4/15/2010</div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=355 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Psalm 73 </B>a psalm through Asaph</div> <bR> <div> Tune #509: <A HREF="http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/509" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/509">A flowing River and a Tree</A><A HREF="http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/509" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/509"> </A>8.8.8.6. 9.9.9.6.</div> <div> Composer: Charles H. Gabriel</div> <div> It is also the tune to "<A HREF="http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/o/oninthee.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/o/onint">Only in Thee</A>" by Thomas O. Chisholm</div> <div>  <embed src="HTMLobj-639/e0509AFlowingRiverAndATree.mp3" autostart="true" loop="true" width="145" height="70">  </div> <div> music file from <A HREF="http://www.hymnal.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hymnal.net">hymnal.net</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >1</FONT> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">1</A> Truly God's good unto Israel,</div> <div>     to pure of heart, but I<I> had failed</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v2" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">2</A> My feet were near to no avail.</div> <div>    My steps had well nigh slipped. <A NAME="3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v3" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">3</A> For the boastful I came to<I> </I>envy,</div> <div>    seeing wicked in prosperity,</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v4" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">4</A> that they had none of death's misery,</div> <div>    and their belly was full.</div> <div>  <A NAME="5"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >2 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v5" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">5</A> They did not have toils of mortals.</div> <div>    and with mankind they're not troubled. <A NAME="6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v6_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">6</A> Therefore has pride them encircled,</div> <div>    covered with thorns violent.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v7" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">7</A> Their eyes proceed out from their fatness.</div> <div>    They have passed more than a heart could wish. <A NAME="8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v8" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">8</A> They are mockers and speak wickedness;</div> <div>    oppress and speak high things.</div> <div>  <A NAME="9"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >3 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v9" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">9</A>   In the heavens they set their mouth.</div> <div>      Throughout<I> </I>the earth, their tongue goes out. <A NAME="10"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v10_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">10</A> Therefore to them water's wrung out</div> <div>       when His people return.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v10" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">11</A> And they will say, "Ignorant is God.</div> <div>      With the Most High can there be knowledge?" <A NAME="12"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v12" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">12</A> They in the world prosper without God,</div> <div> <I>     and </I>riches they heap up.</div> <div>  <A NAME="13"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >4 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v13" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">13</A> Surely in vain, my heart I've cleansed,</div> <div>       and washed my hands in innocence,</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v14" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">14</A> and all day long I am chastened,</div> <div>       every morning, condemned.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v15" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">15</A> If I would say, "I will speak like them,"</div> <div>      Lo, I'd stumble all of Your children.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v16" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">16</A> On this I thought, thus to comprehend.</div> <div>      It was too hard for me.</div> <div>  <A NAME="17"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >5 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v17_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">17</A><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v17_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"> </A>`Till I came to sanctuary,</div> <div>       their latter end, I then could see.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v18" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">18</A> You set them in places slippery,</div> <div>       to be destroyed, surely.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v18" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">19</A> How they perish in <I>just </I>a moment!</div> <div>      Terrors that sweep away <I>and torment,</I></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v20" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">20</A> as one wakes up from something he dreamt,</div> <div>      Their facades You'll despise.</div> <div>  <A NAME="21"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >6 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v21" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">21</A> My heart was grieved, and I was pricked</div> <div>       within my reins <I>and </I><I>my conscience</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v22" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">22</A> Foolish was I and ignorant.</div> <div>       I was a beast with Thee.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v23" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">23</A> Nevertheless I'm always with Thee.</div> <div>      You my right hand hold <I>continually</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v24" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">24</A> With Your counsel You <I>ever</I> guide me,</div> <div>       then to glory   take me!</div> <div>  <A NAME="25"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >7 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v25" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">25</A> Whom do I have in heav'n <I>but Thee</I>?</div> <div>       I none on earth desire with Thee.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v26" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">26</A> My flesh and heart, they have failed <I>me</I>.</div> <div>       God's the Rock of my heart.</div> <div>      And my portion forever<I> is He</I>.</div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#n27" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">27</A> Lo, they perish that are far from Thee.</div> <div>      You cut off all that go a whoring.</div> <div> <I>     I will draw near to God.</I></div> <div> <I> <A NAME="28"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Kids board game" >8 </FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v28" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel">28</A> But as for me, it is my good,</div> <div>       that I <I>always</I> draw near to God.</div> <div>       I put my trust in the Lord God</div> <div>       to recount all Your works!</div> <div> <I>But as for me, it's good to draw near</I></div> <div> <I>to the Lord God, whom I trust and fear,</I></div> <div> <I>that all Your works, I may now declare</I></div> <div> in the gates of Zion.</div> <div> <I>---------------------------------</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="rom8_28"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <A HREF="#1" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Romans 8:28 </B></A> And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  29  Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers;  30  And those whom He predestinated, these He also called; and those whom He called, these He also justified; and those whom He justified, these He also glorified.  31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  32  Indeed, He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? </div> <div> <I> <A NAME="heb6_11"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v2" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Hebrews 6:11  </B></A>But we desire earnestly that each of you show the same diligence unto the full assurance of our hope until the end,  12  That you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and long-suffering are inheriting the promises. </div> <div> 12:12  Therefore set straight the hands which hang down and the paralyzed knees,  13  And make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather may be healed.  14  Pursue peace with all men and sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord;  15  Looking carefully lest anyone fall away from the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and through this many be defiled;</div> <div> <I> <A NAME="rev3_14"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v2" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Revelation 3:14</B></A>  And to the messenger of the church in Laodicea write: These things says the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God:  15  I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.  16  So, because you are  lukewarm  and neither hot nor cold, I am about to spew you out of My mouth.</div> <div>  <A NAME="ps37_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v3" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Psalm 37:1</B></A> Do not be incensed </div> <div> because of evildoers.</div> <div> Neither envy</div> <div> unrighteous workers.</div> <div> 2  For like the grass,</div> <div> they will soon be cut down,</div> <div> and like the herb,</div> <div>       they will wither away.</div> <div> <I> <A NAME="2cor12_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v6_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>2 Corinthians 12:6</B></A>  For if I desire to boast, I will not be foolish, for I will speak  the  truth; but I refrain lest anyone account of me something above what he sees me to be or hears from me.  7  And because of  the  transcendence of  the  revelations,  in  order that I might not be exceedingly lifted up, there was given to me a  thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me,  in  order that I might not be exceedingly lifted up.  8  Concerning this I entreated  the  Lord three times that it might depart from me.  9  And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected  in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather boast  in  my weaknesses that  the  power of Christ might tabernacle over me.  10  Therefore I am well pleased  in  weaknesses,  in  insults,  in  necessities,  in  persecutions and distresses, on behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am powerful. </div> <div>  <A NAME="isa5_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v6_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Isaiah 5:</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v6_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>6</B></A></FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v6_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B> </B></A> and I will make it a waste-it shall not be pruned nor cultivated, but there shall come up briars and thorns; and I will command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.</div> <div> 7:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >23</FONT> And it shall come to pass in that day, <I>that</I> every place, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silver pieces, shall become briars and thorns:</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >24</FONT> with arrows and with the bow shall they come thither, for the whole land shall become briars and thorns.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >25</FONT> And all mountains that have been dug up with the hoe-thither will they not come, from fear of briars and thorns; and they shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of small cattle.</div> <div>  <A NAME="rev3_17"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v7" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Revelation 3:17</B></A>  Because you say, I am wealthy and have become rich and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,  18  I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire that you may be rich, and white garments that you may be clothed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be manifested, and eyesalve to anoint your eyes that you may see.</div> <div>  <A NAME="rom11_8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v7" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Romans 11:8 </B></A> As it is written, 'God gave them a spirit of deep sleep, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, until this very day.''  9  And David says, `` Let   their   table  become a snare and a trap and a stumbling block and a retribution to them;  10  Let   their  eyes be darkened so that they cannot see; and bend  their  back continually.'' </div> <div> <B>Psalm 69:</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" ><B>22</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Let their table become a snare before them, and their very welfare a trap;</div> <div> 23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not, and make their loins continually to shake.</div> <div>  <A NAME="jud6_34"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v10_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Judges 6:</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v10_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>34</B></A></FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v10_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B> </B></A><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v10_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"> </A>And the Spirit of Jehovah came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, and the Abi-ezrites were gathered after him.</div> <div> 35 And he sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were gathered after him; and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.</div> <div> 36 And Gideon said to God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said,</div> <div> 37 behold, I put a fleece of wool on the threshing-floor; if dew shall be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the ground, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said.</div> <div> 38 And it was so. And when he rose up early on the morrow, he pressed the fleece together, and <B>wrung</B> dew out of the fleece, a bowl-<B>full of water</B>.</div> <div> 39 And Gideon said to God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once! Let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it, I pray thee, be dry upon the fleece only, and upon all the ground let there be dew.</div> <div> 40 And God did so that night, and it was dry upon the fleece only, but on all the ground there was dew.</div> <div>  <A NAME="1cor15_19"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v13" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>1 Corinthians 15:19</B></A>  If it is only that  we  have hoped in Christ in this life,  we are of all men  most miserable. </div> <div>  <A NAME="rom8_36"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v14" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Romans 8:36</B></A>  As it is written, "For Your sake we are being  put to death  all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughter.''  37  But in all these things we more than conquer through Him who loved us. </div> <div> <B>Psalm 44:</B><B>17</B> All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely against thy covenant:</div> <div> 18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy path;</div> <div> 19 Though thou hast crushed us in the place of jackals, and covered us with the shadow of death.</div> <div> 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God, and stretched out our hands to a strange god,</div> <div> 21 Would not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.</div> <div> 22 But for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are reckoned as sheep for slaughter.</div> <div> 23 Awake, why sleepest thou, Lord? arise, cast <I>us</I> not off for ever.</div> <div> 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, <I>and</I> forgettest our affliction and our oppression?</div> <div> 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly cleaveth unto the earth.</div> <div> 26 Rise up for our help, and redeem us for thy loving-kindness' sake.</div> <div>  <A NAME="ps5_3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v16" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Psalm 5:3</B></A> In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order <I>{my}</I> <I>{prayer}</I> to You and <I>{eagerly}</I> watch.</div> <div>  <A NAME="lk11_33"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v17_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Luke 11:33</B></A>  No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it in the cellar or under the bushel, but on the lampstand, in order that those who enter in may see the light.</div> <div> 34  The lamp of the body is your eye. When your eye is single, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is dark.</div> <div> 35  Watch out therefore that the light which is in you is not darkness.</div> <div> 36  If therefore your whole body is full of light and does not have any dark part, the whole will be full of light as when the lamp with its rays illuminates you.</div> <div>  <A NAME="matt6_21"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v7" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Matthew 6:21</B></A>  For where your treasure  is , there will your heart be also.  22  The  lamp of  the  body  is   the  eye. If therefore your eye  is  single, your whole body will be full of  light ;  23  But if your eye  is  evil, your whole body will be dark. If then  the   light   that   is   in   you   is darkness, how great  is   the  darkness!  24  No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate  the  one and love  the  other, or he will hold to one and despise  the  other.  You  cannot serve God and mammon. </div> <div>  <A NAME="eph3_16"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v17_1" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Ephesians 3:16</B></A>  That He would grant you, according to  the  riches of His glory, to be strengthened  with power through His Spirit into  the  inner man,  17  That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  18  May be full of strength to apprehend  with   all   the   saints  what  the  breadth and length and height and depth are  19  And to know  the  knowledge-surpassing love of Christ, that you may be filled unto  all   the  fullness of God.  20  But to Him who is able to do superabundantly above  all  that we ask or think, according to  the  power which operates in us,  21  To Him be  the  glory in  the  church and in Christ Jesus unto  all   the  generations forever and ever. Amen. </div> <div>  <A NAME="1thes5_2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v18" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>1 Thessalonians 5:2</B></A><B> </B> For you yourselves know perfectly well that like a thief in the night, so the day of the Lord comes.  3  When they say, Peace and security, then  sudden  destruction comes upon them, just as birth pangs to a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape.  4  But you, brothers, are not in darkness that the day should overtake you like a thief; </div> <div>  <A NAME="heb7_14"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v20" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Hebrews 7:14 </B></A> For it is  evident  that our Lord has risen out of Judah, concerning which tribe Moses spoke nothing about priests.  15  And it is still more abundantly  evident  since it is according to the likeness of Melchisedec that a different Priest arises, </div> <div> <B>Job 17:</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>8</B> </FONT> Upright <I>men</I> shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall rouse himself against the hypocrite.</div> <div>  <A NAME="zech11_4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v20" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Zechariah 11:</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v20" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>4</B></A></FONT> Thus says the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;  <A NAME="v5_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >5 </FONT>whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not. ....</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>And I caused the three shepherds to perish in one month; and My soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred Me. <A HREF="zechariah_11_v8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Zechariah 11 Beauty and Bonds The Inca"> </A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="zechariah_11_v8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Zechariah 11 Beauty and Bonds The Inca">(see note on Zech 11 page)</A></FONT></div> <div> <B>Matthew 23:27</B>  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you resemble white-washed graves, which outwardly appear beautiful but inwardly are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.  28  So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of  hypocrisy and lawlessness. </div> <div> <B>Mark 12:14</B>  And they came and said to Him, Teacher, we know that You are true and do not fear anyone, for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Should we give, or should we not give?  15  But He, knowing their  hypocrisy , said to them, Why do you tempt Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may look at it. </div> <div> <B>Luke 12:1-2 </B> Meanwhile, when the myriads of the crowd were gathered together so that they trampled on one another, He began to say to His disciples first, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is  hypocrisy .  2  But there is nothing covered up which will not be revealed, and hidden which will not be known. </div> <div>  <A NAME="heb3_12"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v21" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Hebrews 3:12</B></A>  Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief in falling away from the living God.  13  But  exhort  one another each day, as long as it is called "today,'' lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.  14  For we have become partners of Christ, if indeed we hold fast the beginning of the assurance firm to the end,  15  While it is said, "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the provocation.'' </div> <div> 10:24  And let us consider one another so as to  incite  one another to love and good works,  25  Not abandoning our own assembling together, as the custom with some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more as you see the day drawing near.</div> <div> <B>1 Corinthians 14:23 </B> If therefore the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak in tongues, and some unlearned in tongues or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane?  24  But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or unlearned person enters, he is  convicted  by all, he is examined by all;  25  The secrets of his heart become manifest; and so falling on his face, he will worship God, declaring that indeed God is among you.  26  What then, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. </div> <div>  <A NAME="ps37_23"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v23" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Psalm 37:23 </B></A> The steps of a mighty man</div> <div> are ordered from the Lord,</div> <div> and He delights in his way.</div> <div> 24. Though he fall,</div> <div> he shall not utterly be cast down</div> <div> for the LORD upholds <I>him by </I>His hand.</div> <div>  <A NAME="isa9_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v24" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Isaiah 9:6</B></A> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace.</div> <div> <B>Psalm 25:</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="OLBHEB" ><B>8</B> </FONT>Good and upright is the Lord.</div> <div> Therefore He will teach sinners in the way.</div> <div> 9 The lowly will He guide in judgment.</div> <div> The lowly will He teach His way.</div> <div> 10 All the paths of the Lord</div> <div> are mercy and truth</div> <div> unto such as keep </div> <div> His covenant and testimonies.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="OLBHEB" >11.</FONT> For Thy name's sake,</div> <div> O Lord, </div> <div> also pardon my iniquity,</div> <div> for it is great.</div> <div> 12 What man is he </div> <div> that feareth the Lord? </div> <div> Him He shall teach </div> <div> in the way he should choose.</div> <div> 13  His soul shall dwell in good, </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >and his seed shall inherit the earth.</FONT> <A NAME="ps32_8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v22" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Psalm 32:</B></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v22" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>8</B></A></FONT><A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v22" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B> </B></A> I will instruct thee and teach thee the way in which thou shalt go; I will counsel <I>thee</I> with mine eye upon thee.</div> <div> 9 Be ye not as a horse, as a mule, which have no understanding: whose trappings must be bit and bridle, for restraint, or they will not come unto thee.</div> <div> 10 Many sorrows hath the wicked; but he that confideth in Jehovah, loving-kindness shall encompass him.</div> <div>  <A NAME="rom2_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <A HREF="psalm_73_l.htm#v24" TARGET="TRLX_Left" TITLE="Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel"><B>Romans 2:6</B></A>  Who will render to each according to his works:  7  To those who by endurance in good work seek  glory  and honor and incorruptibility, life eternal; 8  But to those who are selfishly contentious and disobedient to the truth and obey unrighteousness, wrath and fury.  9  Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man who commits evil, both of Jew first and of Greek;  10  But  glory  and honor and peace to everyone who works good, both to Jew first and to Greek.  11  For there is no respect of persons with God. </div> <div> 5:1  Therefore having been justified out of faith, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  2  Through whom also we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand and boast because of the hope of the  glory  of God.</div> <div> 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming  glory  to be revealed upon us.  19  For the anxious watching of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God.  20  For the creation was made subject to vanity, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it,  21  In hope that the creation itself will also be freed from the slavery of corruption into the freedom of the  glory  of the children of God.</div> <div> 9:4  Who are Israelites, whose are the sonship and the  glory  and the covenants and the giving of the law and the service and the promises;</div> <div> 22  And what if God, wishing to demonstrate His wrath and make His power known, endured with much long-suffering vessels of wrath fitted for destruction,  23  In order that He might make known the riches of His  glory  upon vessels of mercy, which He had before prepared unto  glory ,  24  Even us, whom He has also called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles? </div> <div> 15:7  Therefore receive one another, as Christ also received you to the  glory  of God. </div> <div> <B>1 Corinthians 2:7</B>  But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom which has been hidden, which God predestined before the ages for our  glory ,  8  Which none of the rulers of this age have known; for if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of  glory ;  9  But as it is written, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and which have not come up in man's heart; things which God has prepared for those who love Him.''  10  But to us God has revealed them through the Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. </div> <div> 15:39  All flesh is not the same flesh, but one is of men, and another flesh is of cattle, and another is of birds, and another is of fish.  40  There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; but the  glory  of the heavenly is one thing, and that of the earthly is another.  41  There is another  glory  of the sun, and another  glory  of the moon, and another  glory  of the stars; for star differs from star in  glory .  42  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption;  43  It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in  glory ; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;  44  It is sown a soulish body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a soulish body, there is also a spiritual one. </div> <div> <B>2 Corinthians 3:17</B>  And the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  18  But we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting like a mirror the  glory  of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from  glory  to  glory , even as from the Lord Spirit. </div> <div> 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart; but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  17  For our momentary lightness of affliction works out for us, more and more surpassingly, an eternal weight of  glory, </div> <div> <B>Ephesians 5:27</B>  That He might present the church to Himself  glorious , not having spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that she would be holy and without blemish.</div> <div> Phil 3:21  Who will transfigure the  body  of our humiliation to be conformed to the  body  of His glory, according to His operation by which He is able even to subject all things to Himself. </div> <div> <B>Colossians 3:3 </B> For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  4  When Christ our life is manifested, then you also will be manifested with Him in  glory .  5  Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry; </div> <div> <B>1 Thessalonians 2:12</B>  So that you might walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and  glory . </div> <div> <B>1 Timothy 3:15 </B> But if I delay, I write that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.  16  And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in  glory.</div> <div> <B>2 Timothy 2:9</B>  In which I suffer evil unto bonds as a criminal; but the word of God is not bound.  10  Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the chosen ones, that they themselves also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal  glory .  11  Faithful is the word: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;  12  If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us;  13  If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.  14  Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them before God not to have contentions of words, which is useful for nothing, to the ruin of those who hear.  15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman, cutting straight the word of the truth.  16  But avoid profane, vain babblings, for they will advance to more ungodliness, </div> <div> <B>Hebrews 2:9</B>  But we see Jesus, who was made a little inferior to the angels because of the suffering of death, crowned with  glory  and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death on behalf of everything.  10  For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and through whom are all things, in leading many sons into  glory , to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.</div> <div> <B>1 Peter 1:7</B>  So that the proving of your faith, much more precious than of gold which perishes though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and  glory  and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  8  Whom having not seen, you love; into whom though not seeing Him at present, yet believing, you exult with joy that is unspeakable and full of  glory ,  9  Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. </div> <div> 5:1  Therefore the elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the  glory  to be revealed:  2  Shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion but willingly, according to God; not by seeking gain through base means but eagerly;  3  Nor as lording it over your allotments but by becoming patterns of the flock.  4  And when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, you will receive the unfading crown of  glory . </div> <div> 10  But the God of all grace, He who has called you into His eternal  glory  in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and ground you.</div> <div> <B>Revelation 21:10</B>  And he carried me away in spirit onto a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,  11  Having the  glory  of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, as clear as crystal. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> -copyright 2008 Steve Miller</div> <div> written 10/16/08 Steve Miller</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>