How does Job 21:28 connect with Psalm 73 on the wicked's prosperity? Job 21:28 in Its Setting “For you say, ‘Where now is the house of the prince, and where is the tent in which the wicked lived?’ ” (Job 21:28) - Job answers friends who insist the wicked always come to ruin. - He points to thriving “houses” and “tents” of the ungodly, challenging their tidy theology. - His question implies: “If judgment falls immediately, why do their estates still stand?” Psalm 73 in a Snapshot “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3) - Asaph confesses the same tension Job raises. - Verses 4–12: the wicked enjoy health, wealth, and ease. - Verses 13–16: the righteous feel it is “in vain” they keep pure. - Verse 17: perspective shifts in the sanctuary; final destiny is revealed. Shared Question: Why Do the Wicked Prosper? - Both texts observe real, present success enjoyed by godless people. - Each writer struggles with the apparent delay of divine justice. Insights the Passages Share 1. The prosperity is undeniable - Job 21:7–13 lists their long lives, many children, abundant flocks. - Psalm 73:4–12 echoes: “They increase their wealth” (v. 12). 2. The prosperity is temporary - Job 21:17–18: “How often is their lamp put out… swept away by the wind?” - Psalm 73:18–19: “Surely You set them on slippery ground… utterly swept away by terrors.” 3. God’s justice will stand, though not always on our timetable - Job does not deny judgment; he denies that it is always immediate (21:30). - Asaph sees judgment when he “entered God’s sanctuary” (73:17). 4. The righteous must live by faith, not sight - Job maintains integrity despite unanswered questions (27:5–6). - Asaph ends with worship: “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (73:26). Complementary Truths Highlighted - Observation alone can mislead (Job 21:27; Psalm 73:16). - Revelation corrects vision—Job waits for God to speak; Asaph seeks God’s presence. - Ultimate justice may occur beyond this life (Job 19:25–27; Hebrews 9:27). Living the Truth Today - Expect to see ungodly prosperity without losing confidence in God’s character. - Bring perplexities into God’s presence; perspective changes there. - Measure success by eternity, not the moment. - Anchor hope in the unchanging Judge who will “by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Nahum 1:3). |
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