Truly God is Good to Israel

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 73:1-14. Psalm 73 is a Psalm of Asaph. There are twelve psalms that are attributed to Asaph (Psalm 50; 73-83). Asaph is believed to be a Levite who was appointed by David to be the chief of the temple singers. In 1 Chronicles 6:39 we are told that Asaph was the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea.

We are told in 1 Chronicles 6:31-32, “And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.”

Some biblical scholars question whether Asaph was actually the author or if he transcribed these psalms for David. Some even believe that some of the psalms may have been written by Asaph’s descendants.

The Psalmist was disturbed. He knows that God is a good God to the righteous. He has become discouraged in his walk with the Lord. He looks around and sees the wicked prospering. Have you ever felt like this Psalmist did?

Sometimes it seems like the wicked prosper and are successful. They may seem not to have any trouble in their lives, so they become prideful. They may be violent, corrupt, and tell lies, yet they seem to be successful.

The wicked conduct themselves in ungodly ways, but they obtain wealth. The Psalmist is discouraged because of this situation. It may discourage you as well if you compare your life to people like this. Their evil ways will eventually catch up to them.

We have to remember this life is not the only thing we have to look forward to. As believers, we have the promise of the life to come. We have to hold on to the promises of God for the future.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 73:1-14

1 [[A Psalm of Asaph.]] Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning.

Things to think about:

• In what ways do you compare yourself to others?
• How does it make you feel when you compare yourself to other people?
• In what ways have you noticed the wicked prospering?
• How can we trust God despite what we see going on around us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 73. We can relate to the Psalmist, as we often look around and see the same things happening in the world today. We wonder how this could be. As children of God, we compare ourselves to the ungodly and sometimes wonder how these things happen. Help us to realize You have great things planned for us in the future. Help us not to compare ourselves to unbelievers and question You and Your ways. Help us to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 3 Chapters 61-90

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Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms:
Part 3 Chapters 61-90
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms:Part 3 Chapters 61-90 by Deborah H. Bateman is 28th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet.

The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms: Part 3 Chapters 61-90 contains fifty Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

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