What is the meaning of Psalm 73:11? The wicked say, • The speaker is identified: “the wicked,” those who live in open rebellion against God (Psalm 10:4–11; Proverbs 1:29–32). • Their words reveal hearts that are self-satisfied and unafraid of judgment (Psalm 36:1–2). • Asaph, the psalmist, records their boast to expose why righteous people can feel disheartened when evil seems to flourish (Psalm 73:2–3). • Scripture consistently shows that the arrogance of the wicked blinds them to God’s holiness and coming justice (Isaiah 5:20–24; 2 Peter 3:3–7). “How can God know?” • The first question mocks divine omniscience, suggesting that God is either distant or uninformed (Job 22:13; Psalm 94:7). • It is a convenient excuse for sin—if God does not notice, then nothing restrains human desire (Ecclesiastes 8:11). • Yet the whole counsel of Scripture affirms that God’s knowledge is perfect and personal: – “You know when I sit and when I rise” (Psalm 139:2). – “No creature is hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:13). • Their question exposes unbelief, not genuine inquiry. Faith begins with the opposite conviction: “Great is our Lord… His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5). “Does the Most High have knowledge?” • By using the title “Most High,” they acknowledge God’s exalted status while still challenging His awareness—an ironic blend of flattery and contempt (Daniel 4:34–35). • This second question intensifies the first, implying that even if God exists, His sovereignty is irrelevant to daily life (Zephaniah 1:12). • Scripture answers decisively: – “I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:9-10). – “Whenever our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things” (1 John 3:20). • The challenge thus backfires, underscoring the very truth it denies—God sees, knows, and will judge (Acts 17:30-31). summary Psalm 73:11 captures the boast of the ungodly: they question whether God notices or cares. Their dismissive words expose hearts hardened by pride. Scripture answers them with unwavering clarity—God, the Most High, possesses complete and perfect knowledge, holding every life accountable. Far from being ignorant, He sees each thought and deed, and His justice will finally vindicate the righteous and silence the scoffers. |
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