Psalms 73:10

A difficult verse. The general sense appears to be that attracted by the prosperity and pretensions of the wicked a crowd of imitators turn to follow them, and in their company drink to the dregs the cup of sinful pleasure. The Psalmist's temptation is intensified as he contemplates the popularity of the wicked. Cp. Psalms 49:13. The details however are obscure. Therefore, because they are deluded by the extravagant pretensions of the wicked. The pronoun hisis commonly explained to refer to the wicked regarded as a whole, or to some conspicuous leader among them. The context hardly allows of its reference to God. But the LXX and Syr. may preserve the true reading -my people," the Psalmist speaking with sorrow of his deluded countrymen. Returnshould rather be turn; hither, to the wicked and their pernicious ways.

The reading of the Kthîbhgiven in R.V. marg., he will bring back his people hither, finds no support from the Ancient Versions, and admits of no satisfactory explanation. Waters of fulness are drained by themis a metaphor for the enjoyment of pleasure; or possibly for imbibing pernicious principles. Cp. Job 15:16; and the saying of Jose ben Joezer, "Let thy house be a meeting house for the wise … and drink their words with thirstiness." Pirqe Aboth, i. 4, cp. 12.