Psalms 73:27

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

Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Psalm 73:27 (KJV):

Psalm 73:27 (KJV) says: “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.”

Context:

To understand the meaning of a verse, it is important to consider its context. Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph, a worship leader in King David’s time. In this psalm, Asaph expresses his struggle with envy and the seeming prosperity of the wicked while he, as a righteous person, faced difficulties. Asaph’s perspective changes when he enters the sanctuary of God and gains a heavenly perspective.

Distance from God leads to destruction:

The verse begins with the phrase, “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish.” Here, “they” refers to the wicked, the people whom Asaph envied. The phrase “far from thee” signifies being distant from God. This can refer to a spiritual distance, a separation from God’s ways and commands. The verse emphasizes that those who are far from God will ultimately face destruction. This destruction may involve consequences in this life or ultimately in eternal judgment.

God’s judgment on those who turn away:

The verse continues, “thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” This phrase uses strong language to describe those who turn away from God and engage in idolatry or pursue other gods. In the Bible, idolatry is often portrayed as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The consequences of turning away from God and engaging in idolatry are severe, and God’s judgment falls upon those who persist in such behavior.

Application and Lessons:

Asaph’s reflection in this psalm provides valuable lessons for believers today:

• a. Perspective shift:Asaph’s struggle with envy is resolved when he gains a heavenly perspective. As Christians, we may also face challenges when we compare ourselves to the seemingly prosperous wicked. However, when we draw near to God, spend time in His presence, and gain a heavenly perspective, our perspective on worldly success and prosperity can change.
• b. The danger of spiritual distance:The verse highlights the danger of being far from God. As believers, it is essential to cultivate an intimate relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and walking in obedience to Him. Distance from God can lead to spiritual vulnerability and even destruction.
• c. Consequences of turning away:The verse reminds us that there are consequences for turning away from God and pursuing other gods. Idolatry can take various forms in our lives, such as prioritizing worldly desires, possessions, or ideologies above our relationship with God. It is crucial to guard our hearts and remain steadfast in our faith.
• d. Trusting in God’s justice:Although the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, we can trust that God is just and will ultimately bring judgment. Instead of being consumed by envy or comparing ourselves to the wicked, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and focus on living righteously.