They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men (comp. Job 21:8-10 ). There is, no doubt, something of Oriental hyperbole in this representation, as there is in the account given by Job ( l . s.c. ), which he afterwards qualifies ( Job 27:13-23 ). But still a certain immunity from suffering does seem often to attach to the wicked man, whom God does not chasten, because chastening would be of no service to him. read more
Much ease, much peril. That is the teaching of these verses, and of innumerable Scriptures besides (see Psalms 55:19 ; Jeremiah 48:11 ). Thus— I. GOD IS EVER TEACHING US THIS TRUTH . 1 . In his Word. See also Hebrew 12, and the biographies of God's people in all ages. The history of the Church as given in Scripture abundantly reveals God's merciful law of change. 2 . By analogy. God suffers nothing to be without change. Even the rocks and hills, the solid... read more
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; or, is as a chain about their neck (Revised Version)—makes them stiffen their neck, and hold their head aloft. Not being afflicted, they regard themselves as favourites of Heaven, and are therefore puffed up with pride, which they show in their gait and bearing. Violence covereth them as a garment. Pride and self-conceit naturally lead on to violence, which becomes so habitual to them that it seems like their ordinary apparel (comp. ... read more
Their eyes stand out with fatness. Their eyes, which gloat upon the luxuries around them, seem to stand out from their fat and bloated faces (comp. Job 15:27 ; Psalms 17:10 ). They have mere than heart could wish; literally, the imaginations of their heart overflew. The exact meaning is doubtful. read more
For I was envious at the foolish - The word “foolish” here refers to sinners. It may either refer to them as foolish, or as proud, insolent, vain - for so the word is elsewhere used. See Psalms 14:1.When I saw the prosperity of the wicked - More literally, “the peace of the wicked.” The reference is not so much to their prosperity in general as to their peace; their conscious safety; their freedom from trouble; and especially their calmness, and their freedom from suffering, in death. From all... read more
For there are no bands in their death - The word rendered “bands” here means properly “cords tightly drawn,” Isaiah 58:6; then, pains, pangs, torments - “as if” one were twisted or tortured with pain, as a cord is closely twisted. The word occurs only in Isaiah 58:6, and in this place. The fact which is here referred to by the psalmist, and which gave him so much uneasiness, was that which so often occurs, that when the wicked die, they do not seem to suffer in proportion to their wickedness;... read more
They are not in trouble as other men - Margin, “In the trouble of other men.” Literally, “In the labor of man they are not;” that is, they are exempt from the common burdens and troubles of humanity, or those which pertain to man as man. There seems to be some special interposition in their favor to save them from the common calamities which come upon the race.Neither are they plagued like other men - Margin, “with.” Literally, “And with mankind they are not afflicted,” or smitten. The... read more
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain - Therefore they are proud, haughty, imperious. They put on the ornaments and trappings of pride; their clothing and their adorning all are indicative of a proud heart. They seem to imagine that they are better than others, and that they are treated in this manner “because” they are better than others. In the original it is a single word which is rendered “compasseth about as a chain.” The word means “to adorn with a necklace or collar;” and the... read more
Their eyes stand out with fatness - As the fruit of their high living. They are not weakened and emaciated by toil and want, as other men often are. Compare the notes at Psalms 17:10.They have more than heart could wish - Margin, “they pass the thoughts of the heart.” Literally, “the imaginations or thoughts of the heart pass;” pass along; pass forth. The meaning seems to be, not that they have more than heart could desire, as in our translation - for that would not probably be true; nor, that... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 73:4
For there are no bands in their death; or, no sufferings ( δυσπάθειαι , Aquila; "torments," Cheyne); comp. Job 21:13 , "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave;" and Job 21:23 , "One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet." Such deaths often happen, and are a severe trial of faith to those who have no firm conviction of the reality of a hereafter. But their strength is firm; literally, their body is plump (Cheyne). But the... read more