Psalms 73:27

For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

Psalms 73:27 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph, a worship leader in King David’s time. In this psalm, Asaph struggles with envy because the wicked seem to prosper while he, a righteous person, faces difficulties. His perspective changes when he enters the sanctuary of God and gains a heavenly view. Verse 27 is the climax of that renewed perspective: the apparent success of the wicked is temporary, and their end is destruction.

Meaning

The verse begins with “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish.” Here, “they” refers to the wicked, the people Asaph envied. Being “far from thee” means more than physical distance. It describes a spiritual separation from God’s ways, commands, love, and worship. This distance is not merely physical but spiritual: being alienated from the life of God, far from His law and obedience to it, from righteousness, and from the love, fear, and worship of God. Such distance leads to perishing, not merely physical death, which even the righteous experience, but eternal loss.

The verse continues, “thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” This strong language pictures spiritual adultery. In the Bible, idolatry is often shown as a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Those who turn away to follow other gods are like an unfaithful spouse. God actively destroys those who persist in such unfaithfulness.

Biblical connections

This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessing of drawing near to God, which is the theme of the next verse, Psalm 73:28. The psalmist’s own journey from envy to understanding shows that true perspective comes from being in God’s presence. The imagery of “going a whoring” underscores the covenantal nature of the relationship between God and His people; idolatry is spiritual adultery.

Application

Asaph’s reflection provides valuable lessons for believers today:

• Perspective shift: Asaph’s envy is resolved when he gains a heavenly perspective. When we draw near to God through prayer and His Word, our view of worldly success can change.

• The danger of spiritual distance: Being far from God leads to spiritual vulnerability and destruction. We must cultivate an intimate relationship with Him through obedience.

• Consequences of turning away: Idolatry can take forms like prioritizing worldly desires, possessions, or ideologies above God. We must guard our hearts and remain steadfast.

• Trusting in God’s justice: Though the wicked may prosper temporarily, God is just and will bring judgment. Instead of envy, we can trust in His sovereignty and live righteously.

Reflection

This verse is a warning and a comfort. It warns that spiritual distance from God is serious and leads to destruction. It also comforts believers: the apparent prosperity of the wicked is not their final end. God’s justice will prevail. Believers are called to examine their own hearts for any spiritual distance or unfaithfulness, and to cultivate nearness to God through worship and obedience. The call to draw near is not passive; it requires intentional steps of faith and repentance.