He here draws the outlines of the prosperity of the wicked: they have all carnal enjoyments, the good things brought forth by the sun, and the precious things put forth by the moon: they have plenty of corn, and wine, and oil; they chant to the sound of the organ; they send forth their little ones to the dance, but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Nay, what appeared to the prophet's view as still more astonishing, they seemed for the most part to die in peace; no bands, no pangs, no difficulties in their death: and though strangers to Christ, strangers to God's covenant love in him, strangers to the new-birth, and all the work of God the Spirit on their hearts; they died as much at ease as if all the promises of salvation were their own. This view puzzled and perplexed the prophet's mind, and for awhile he was at a loss to explain it. Reader! do the same things appear in the world now? Oh yes! Every day's experience demonstrates such things, and to an enlightened eye they carry their own reasoning and confirmation with them. What a striking picture hath Job drawn of such in his days: but after he hath drawn it to the life, and sketched their features to a nicety, he gives the finishing stroke when he describes them, after spending their days in wealth, as in a moment going down to the grave! Job 21:7-13. See also the prophet's representation of the same, Amos 6:3-7. When you have paid due attention to these scriptures, turn to the gospel, and read some of the unequalled words of Jesus and his apostles on the same subject; and if God the Holy Ghost be your teacher, you will rise to a degree of enjoyment unknown to all such worldly characters. Indeed, that one passage alone of Christ is a volume in point, John 14:18-20. To this subjoin the apostle's account of God's people, Hebrews 11:33, to the end.
Related Commentaries of Psalms 73:4
Psalms 73:4-14
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.a
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 chastenedb every morning.