Psalm 73 Verse Mapping Study (verses 27-28)

 Before we dive into the last couple verses; I want to take a minute. I hope this study has been a blessing to you.  Whether you use this verse mapping technique or some other Bible Study tool/process I pray that you will know the importance of daily studying God's Word.  Stand on the Truth of His Word and stay close to Him!  

If you enjoyed this study (or didn't), would love to see more of this type of post or have any comments or suggestions please leave a comment.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Now let's dive in...

"For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; 

you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

But for me it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works"

Psalm 73:27-28

 

DESIGN:

"For behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful and have abandoned You.  But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, that I may tell of all Your works." (AMP)

 

"For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.  But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." (NASB)

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 27: 

racheq - removing, departing (here = those departing from thee)

 

zanah - to commit fornication, be a harlot

 

Verse 28:

qirbah - an approach (here = approach to God) draw near

machaseh - refuge, shelter, trust (here = God as the refuge of His people)

FIND:

Psalm 119:155 - "Salvation is far from the wicked for they do not seek your statutes."

James 4:4 - "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

Psalm 65:4 - "Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!"

Psalm 118:17 - "I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD."

MANKIND:

- Those without God will perish

- The best place man can be is near God

GOD:

- God will punish sin and destroy those who worship other gods/idols (unfaithful to Him)

- God is a refuge to His people.

ASK/APPLICATION:

When people choose to live apart from God and serve idols; God says they will perish.  This is not God's desire but rather man's choice. God desires everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9); however, God is Holy and must punish sin.  As Romans 6:23 reminds us "the wages of sin is death".  The good news is that that isn't the end as the verse continues "but the gift of God is eternal life."  When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and we repent of our sins God becomes a refuge.  He is our shelter Who we can trust.  God is always near to guard and guide His people.  James 4:8 expresses this truth "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you"  I pray that today you would make the choice to draw near to God; whether that is accepting Him as Savior or turning back to Him after a time of wandering away.  Like the father of the prodigal son; God is always watching and waiting to forgive and embrace.

PRAYER:

 

Father God, thank you for the salvation You have provided through Your Son Jesus Christ.  Thank You that through His sacrifice we can draw near to You.  There is forgiveness when we repent and You are our refuge.  Lord I pray for those who are living far from You today.  May they turn to You and find the peace, and shelter they are longing for.  Thank You for the truth of the promises in Your Word.  Amen.