How does Psalm 17:14 contrast earthly rewards with eternal blessings from God? Psalm 17:14 in Focus “from such men, LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill their bellies with Your treasure; may their children have plenty, leaving their abundance to their infants.” Two Very Different Portions • “men of the world” – Live for what they can taste, touch, and spend right now – View prosperity, children, and inheritances as their highest good – Measure success only by what can be passed on to the next generation • “by Your hand” (implying David and the faithful) – Depend on God’s intervention, not human strength – Look beyond the present life for their ultimate reward (v.15 points to beholding God’s face) Earthly Rewards Highlighted – Full bellies: immediate physical satisfaction – Plentiful children: social status and personal pride (cf. Psalm 127:3-5) – Surplus wealth for heirs: a legacy that seems to guarantee lasting influence Eternal Blessings Implied – Seeing God’s face in righteousness (Psalm 17:15) – True satisfaction that begins “when I awake,” pointing to resurrection life – An inheritance “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4) Key Contrasts at a Glance • Temporary vs. everlasting • Visible riches vs. invisible glory (2 Colossians 4:18) • Self-sufficiency vs. God-dependency • Legacy that can decay vs. reward kept in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20) Supporting Passages – Luke 12:15-21 – the rich fool stores up on earth but is “not rich toward God.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – command the rich to set hope on God and lay hold of “the life that is truly life.” – Psalm 73:24-26 – earthly ease for the wicked contrasted with God as “the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Why This Matters Today • Success, savings, and security can still blind us to eternal realities. • Believers can enjoy God’s earthly gifts, yet must treat them as tools, not treasures. • The ultimate fulfillment the heart craves is found only in God’s presence, now and forever. |
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