When the psalmist witnesses the ungodly thriving, a dangerous question arises: 'How can God know?' But who exactly is asking this question, and what does it reveal about their struggles?

This verse grapples with the source of doubt. The scholarly consensus points to two main possibilities for who 'they' are:

The Ungodly Themselves

Some commentators suggest the wicked are directly voicing this doubt. Their prosperity leads them to believe that God is either unaware of their actions or simply doesn't care, making their wicked behavior seem consequence-free. This is a defiant questioning born of arrogance and a godless worldview.

The Followers of the Ungodly

Another strong interpretation is that 'they' refers to the people who follow or are influenced by the wicked. Seeing the ungodly succeed, these followers begin to echo their leaders' skepticism. They adopt the language of their prosperous patrons, questioning if God truly sees or intervenes in human affairs.

A Note on the Godly

While some passages might seem to hint at the godly questioning God, the most direct reading here strongly suggests the doubt originates from those on the outside, either the wicked themselves or those swayed by their success. Even when the godly struggle, their doubts are often framed as internal wrestling rather than outright, defiant pronouncements like these.

The core of this verse is a profound crisis of faith. The question isn't just 'Does God know?' but 'If He knows, why does He act like He doesn't?'

The real sting of this verse comes from the perceived disconnect between God's nature and the reality on the ground. The doubters aren't just questioning God's omniscience; they're questioning His care and His justice.

The Divine Attributes in Question

The words used are significant: 'God' (El) and 'the Most High' (Elyon). These titles speak to God's immense power and supreme authority. Yet, the prosperity of the wicked, who often defy these very attributes, makes their existence seem like a cosmic joke.