Psalms 73:2-3
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The psalmist isn't just describing a moment of doubt, but a near-complete collapse of his faith and commitment. The phrase "almost gone" and "nearly slipped" speaks to how close he was to abandoning his walk with God entirely, not just questioning Him.
The psalmist Asaph begins by affirming God's goodness, but immediately confesses how close he came to losing faith. He recounts how the apparent prosperity of the wicked, who seemed exempt from suffering and full of arrogance, nearly caused him to abandon his trust in God's justice and righteousness.
Have you ever felt like your faith was hanging by a thread? The psalmist Asaph knew that feeling intimately.
Asaph, who was known for his wisdom and role in leading worship, found himself on the verge of spiritual collapse. He uses vivid imagery here: 'my feet had almost gone,' 'my steps had nearly slipped.' This isn't about a minor stumble; it's about standing on a precipice, where one more push would send him tumbling into outright despair and questioning God's goodness.
This near-fall wasn't due to a lack of understanding or knowledge of God. In fact, the psalm opens with a strong affirmation of God's goodness. But the external reality of wicked people prospering while the faithful suffered created an almost unbearable tension. Asaph was so overwhelmed by this apparent contradiction that he almost abandoned his core beliefs and his commitment to God.
Why does life sometimes feel like walking on ice? Asaph's struggle reveals how deceptive appearances can be.
The ancient Hebrew word used for 'slipped' here literally means 'poured out' or 'spilled.' Imagine water spilling – it's uncontrollable, messy, and disperses rapidly. Asaph felt his carefully ordered life and faith were on the verge of being uncontrollably spilled, losing all stability.
This instability was triggered by observing the wicked. They seemed to have it all together – healthy, wealthy, and without the usual troubles of life. This outward appearance of success made their path look solid and desirable, while Asaph's own path, though rooted in faith, felt precarious and almost foolish in comparison.
The commentary highlights that this prosperity of the wicked was often a dangerous illusion. Their 'stability' was built on sand, leading to a catastrophic end. Asaph's near-fall stemmed from comparing his own spiritual footing to what he perceived as their unshakeable worldly success, failing to see the true foundation of his faith.
Understand the original words
qānāʾ · Hebrew Verb
To show jealousy or resentment toward another's success or status. In a biblical context, it often refers to a sinful discontentment with God's providential distribution of blessings.
hōlēl · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who act with hubris or boastful pride, specifically in defiance of God. They are characterized by a self-sufficient attitude that rejects divine authority.
šālōm · Hebrew Noun
The state of being successful, flourishing, or having peace in worldly affairs. It often serves as a point of contention when observed in those who disregard God's law.
rāšāʿ · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who violate God's moral order. It refers to individuals who live in habitual, unrepentant opposition to divine justice and righteousness.
This verse echoes the Psalmist's near stumble, highlighting that those who love God's law experience profound peace and are not tripped up, suggesting a contrast to the 'slipping' experienced when faith wavers.
Job 12:6This passage directly speaks to the same perplexing issue Asaph faced: the prosperity of the wicked. It shows how those who do wrong often prosper, which can cause righteous people to stumble in their faith, mirroring Asaph's struggle.
1 Corinthians 10:12This verse serves as a direct warning to believers, stating 'let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.' It powerfully connects to Asaph's feeling of near-fall, emphasizing the constant need for vigilance in faith.
Galatians 5:4This verse speaks to the danger of abandoning Christ and relying on the law for justification, which results in 'fallen away from grace.' This concept parallels Asaph's near-abandonment of his faith and pursuit of righteousness due to his struggle.
clarkePsalms 73:2: "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."
My feet were almost gone - I had nearly given up my confidence. I was ready to find fault with the dispensations of providence; and thought the Judge of all the earth did not do right.
bensonPsalms 73:2: "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."
Psalm 73:2-3 . But as for me — Yet I must acknowledge with grief and shame, concerning myself, that notwithstanding all my knowledge of this truth, and my own experience and observation of God’s dealings with me and other good men; my feet were almost gone — My faith in God’s promises and providence was almost overthrown by the force of temptation; and I was almost ready to repent of my piety, Psalm 73:13 ,…
The psalmist isn't just describing a moment of doubt, but a near-complete collapse of his faith and commitment. The phrase "almost gone" and "nearly slipped" speaks to how close he was to abandoning his walk with God entirely, not just questioning Him.
The psalmist Asaph begins by affirming God's goodness, but immediately confesses how close he came to losing faith. He recounts how the apparent prosperity of the wicked, who seemed exempt from suffering and full of arrogance, nearly caused him to abandon his trust in God's justice and righteousness.
The psalmist Asaph begins by affirming God's goodness, but immediately confesses how close he came to losing faith. He recounts how the apparent prosperity of the wicked, who seemed exempt from suffering and full of arrogance, nearly caused him to abandon his trust in God's justice and righteousness.
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"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." — The psalmist isn't just describing a moment of doubt, but a near-complete collapse of his faith and commitment. The phrase "almost gone" and "nearly slipped" speaks to how close he was to abandoning…
