Psalms 73:18
Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 73:18
Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that even in their apparent peak of success, the wicked are placed by God in precarious, unstable positions, making their eventual downfall not an accident, but a deliberate consequence. It’s not just that they happen to fall, but that God ordains their prosperity to be a temporary setup for their ultimate destruction.
The psalmist has been wrestling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked, which had nearly caused him to lose his faith. Now, he shifts his perspective from the wicked's fleeting success to their ultimate, inevitable downfall. He realizes that their elevated positions are not secure but precarious, setting them up for a sudden and complete ruin.
Ever looked at someone seemingly 'having it all' and wondered how they got there, or how long it will last? This verse offers a powerful perspective on worldly success.
The psalm highlights that the prosperity of the wicked is not a sign of God's approval, but rather a precarious position.
A Precarious Platform
What happens to those who seem to prosper in their wickedness? This verse provides a stark answer about their ultimate end.
The psalm doesn't just describe the unstable position of the wicked; it declares their guaranteed ruin.
From Height to Horror
Understand the original words
chalaqlaqqowth · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral instability or precariousness, often used metaphorically to describe the vulnerability of the wicked who lack the firm foundation of God's truth.
sho'ah · Hebrew Noun
A state of complete desolation, ruin, or sudden annihilation, often serving as a manifestation of divine judgment against those who oppose God.
The psalm reflects a period of intense spiritual struggle, likely set against the backdrop of national crises like the Babylonian exile, where the apparent prosperity of the wicked contrasted sharply with the suffering of God's people, prompting deep questions about divine justice.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of David and Solomon
This period represents a golden age for Israel, marked by a strong monarchy and relative peace, which could have influenced the psalmist's reflection on the prosperity of the wicked.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into Israel (north) and Judah (south). This political division led to prolonged conflict and instability, potentially creating circumstances where observing the prosperity of the wicked seemed more stark.
c. 750-700 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Israel and Judah
Prophets like Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah spoke out against social injustice, the exploitation of the poor, and the corruptions of the elite, often highlighting the fleeting nature of their prosperity.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Captivity
The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians, leading to the exile of its people. This catastrophic event demonstrated God's judgment on national wickedness.
This passage describes the sudden and terrifying downfall of the wicked, mirroring the 'slippery places' and 'destruction' mentioned in Psalms 73:18, emphasizing that their ruin often comes unexpectedly.
Job 18:12This verse paints a vivid picture of the wicked being trapped in their own prosperity, which ultimately leads to their destruction, much like being in 'slippery places' from which they cannot escape.
Matthew 7:24-27Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the instability of foundations not built on Him. The wicked, like the foolish builder, may seem secure, but their 'slippery places' lead to a catastrophic collapse.
Luke 12:16-21The parable of the rich fool illustrates how earthly wealth and security can be deceptive, creating 'slippery places' where one's soul is ultimately lost, despite apparent prosperity.
Jeremiah 23:12This verse directly compares the path of the wicked to a slippery, dark road, directly aligning with the imagery of 'slippery places' that lead to their inevitable downfall and punishment.
jfbPsalms 73:18: "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction."
18-20. their end—future (Ps 37:37, 38), which is dismal and terribly sudden (Pr 1:27; 29:1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstantial dream, so God, waking up to judgment (Ps 7:6; 44:23), despises their vain shadow of happiness (Ps 39:6; Isa 29:7). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces (Ps 74:3).
clarkePsalms 73:18: "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction."
Thou didst set them on slippery places - Affluence is a slippery path; few have ever walked in it without falling. It is possible to be faithful in the unrighteous mammon, but it is very difficult. No man should desire riches; for they bring with them so many cares and temptations as to be almost unmanageabe. Rich men, even when pious, are seldom happy; they do not enjoy the consolations of…
The verse highlights that even in their apparent peak of success, the wicked are placed by God in precarious, unstable positions, making their eventual downfall not an accident, but a deliberate consequence. It’s not just that they happen to fall, but that God ordains their prosperity to be a temporary setup for their ultimate destruction.
The psalmist has been wrestling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked, which had nearly caused him to lose his faith. Now, he shifts his perspective from the wicked's fleeting success to their ultimate, inevitable downfall. He realizes that their elevated positions are not secure but precarious, setting them up for a sudden and complete ruin.
The psalmist has been wrestling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked, which had nearly caused him to lose his faith. Now, he shifts his perspective from the wicked's fleeting success to their ultimate, inevitable downfall. He realizes that their elevated positions are not secure but precarious, setting them up for a sudden and complete ruin.
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605-586 BC— this verse
Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah faced multiple deportations by the Babylonians, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. This ultimate judgment on national sin provided a stark backdrop for reflections on God's justice.
c. 539 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allowed the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked a new era, but the memory of judgment and the ongoing struggle to rebuild would have informed perspectives on divine justice.
"Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin." — The verse highlights that even in their apparent peak of success, the wicked are placed by God in precarious, unstable positions, making their eventual downfall not an accident, but a deliberate cons…