Psalms 73:20

As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Psalms 73:20 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph, one of the chief musicians in King David’s time. Asaph wrestles with why the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer. He begins with envy and confusion, but gains insight when he enters the sanctuary of God. Verse 20 is part of his realization that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and fleeting.

Meaning

The verse compares the prosperity of the wicked to a dream that vanishes when one awakes. Dreams can be powerful while we experience them, but upon waking, they are quickly forgotten. Similarly, when God “awakes,” or intervenes in judgment, the prosperity and power of the wicked will be despised and proven meaningless.

The phrase “when thou awakest” is a poetic way of describing God’s decisive intervention—when He arises to execute judgment and to vindicate His people. At that moment, God will “despise their image,” meaning He will treat their proud, self-made glory as worthless and contemptible. The wicked may appear formidable now, but their true condition is like a fantasy that cannot endure the light of God’s judgment.

Biblical connections

This verse is the climax of the psalm’s argument. The psalmist’s perspective shifts from envy to trust as he realizes that the end of the wicked is destruction, while his own portion is God Himself (Psalm 73:25-26). The imagery of awakening also points to the resurrection, when the wicked will awake to shame and loss, and the righteous will awake to everlasting life (Daniel 12:2).

Application

Asaph’s journey from confusion to understanding encourages the righteous. Appearances can be deceiving, but God’s justice will prevail. Even though the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, the righteous can take solace in knowing that their faithfulness and trust in God will be rewarded.

This verse calls believers to live with an eternal perspective. What appears prosperous now may be only a dream that will vanish. True substance and hope are found in God, who is our portion forever. Earthly riches and honor are not reliable indicators of God’s favor; final justice belongs to God alone.

Reflection

When we see the wicked prosper, we may feel envy or confusion. Yet this verse reminds us that their success is an illusion. God sees beyond surface-level prosperity and understands the true emptiness of the wicked’s achievements. We can trust that He is aware of their deeds and will ultimately bring justice. Our hope rests not in temporary circumstances but in the enduring presence of God.