Psalms 73 - Introduction

A.M. 2989. B.C. 1015.

The second book of Psalms, according to the Hebrew division, ends with the last, and here begins the third book, consisting of a new collection of seventeen Psalms, most of them very disconsolate and full of sad complaints. Eleven of these, according to our translation of the titles of them, were composed by Asaph. But it must be observed, the expression, לאספ , leasaph, may either be rendered, of, or for, Asaph. And as he was the famous musician, to whom divers of David's Psalms were committed to be set to music, it is possible that the latter is the true translation of the phrase; and that the following Psalms were not composed by him, but only for him, that is, for his use in the tabernacle. Inasmuch, however, as Asaph was not only a skilful musician, but also a divinely-inspired prophet, and certainly was the author of some Psalms, (see 2 Chronicles 25:1; 2 Chronicles 29:30,) and as the style of this Psalm seems to differ considerably from that of David, it is not improbable that he, Asaph, was the author, at least, of this and some of the others: see note on the title of Psalms 1. He begins with laying down a general principle, Psalms 73:1. Confesses his temptation to envy the wicked, Psalms 73:2. Tells how he gained the victory over it, and advantage by it, Psalms 73:15.