Psalms 73:20
“As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.”
Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Psalm 73:20 in the King James Version:
Psalm 73:20 (KJV) says: “As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.”
1. Context: Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph, one of the chief musicians in the time of King David. In this psalm, Asaph wrestles with the problem of why the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer. He begins by expressing his envy and confusion over the prosperity of the wicked, but then gains insight and understanding when he enters the sanctuary of God. The verse in question, verse 20, is part of Asaph’s realization that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and fleeting.
2. Symbolic Language: The verse uses vivid imagery to convey its message. It compares the prosperity of the wicked to a dream that dissipates when one awakes. Dreams can be powerful and captivating while we are experiencing them, but upon waking, they vanish and are quickly forgotten. Similarly, the verse suggests that when God “awakes,” or intervenes in judgment, the prosperity and power of the wicked will be despised and proven to be ultimately meaningless.
3. God’s Perspective: The verse reflects a shift in Asaph’s perspective as he gains insight into God’s viewpoint. From a human perspective, the wicked may appear to thrive and succeed, causing envy and confusion among the righteous. However, Asaph realizes that God sees beyond the surface-level prosperity and understands the true emptiness and fleeting nature of the wicked’s achievements.
4. Divine Judgment: The verse hints at the concept of divine judgment. While the wicked may seem to escape accountability for their actions, Asaph acknowledges that there will come a time when God “awakes” and despises their image. This implies that God is aware of their deeds and will ultimately bring justice upon them.
5. Encouragement for the Righteous: Asaph’s journey from confusion to understanding serves as an encouragement for the righteous. It reminds them that appearances can be deceiving and that God’s justice will prevail in the end. Even though the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, the righteous can take solace in the knowledge that their own faithfulness and trust in God will be rewarded.
