Why do the wicked question God's knowledge in Psalm 73:11? Text of the Verse “‘How can God know?’ they ask. ‘Does the Most High have knowledge?’ ” (Psalm 73:11) Immediate Literary Context Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm of Asaph that contrasts the apparent prosperity of the wicked with the ultimate security of the righteous. Verses 1–12 describe the arrogant ease of evildoers; verses 13–17 recount the psalmist’s crisis of faith; verses 18–28 reveal God’s final justice. Verse 11 captures the wicked at the height of self-assurance, verbalizing the heart-level belief that God neither knows nor will judge their deeds. Exegesis of the Phrase “How can God know?” 1. “God” (אֵל, ʾēl) is the generic name for deity, yet Asaph’s next line specifies “the Most High” (עֶלְיוֹן, ʿelyôn), the covenant God of Israel. 2. The interrogative “How” (literally, “What does”) implies incredulity, not honest inquiry. 3. “Know” (יָדַע, yādaʿ) in Hebrew covers intellectual awareness and relational oversight. The wicked doubt both God’s omniscience and His covenantal involvement. Spiritual Cause: Willful Suppression of Revealed Truth Romans 1:18-23 teaches that fallen humanity “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” though “what may be known about God is plain.” The wicked question God’s knowledge not for lack of evidence but from moral rebellion; acknowledging divine omniscience would obligate repentance. Moral Psychology: Self-Justifying Cognition Behavioral research identifies “cognitive dissonance reduction”: when actions conflict with moral standards, individuals often shift beliefs to relieve tension. For the wicked, denying God’s awareness neutralizes guilt and legitimizes continued sin (cf. John 3:20). Sociological Reinforcement: Prosperity Breeds Arrogance Verses 3-9 list wealth, health, and honor enjoyed by the wicked. Earthly success fosters the illusion of autonomy. Proverbs 30:8-9 warns that abundance can say, “Who is the LORD?” Societal applause masks divine surveillance, emboldening blasphemous questions. Historical Illustrations • Genesis 11:4—Builders of Babel assume anonymity before God. • Exodus 5:2—Pharaoh asks, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” • Isaiah 47:10—Babylon boasts, “No one sees me.” Each narrative ends in judgment, underscoring divine omniscience. Philosophical Consistency: Omniscience as a Necessary Attribute A being worthy of the title “Most High” must possess unlimited knowledge; otherwise He would be contingent, not ultimate. Thus the wicked’s question is internally incoherent—if God is “Most High,” He necessarily knows (Isaiah 46:9-10). Theological Resolution: Eschatological Revelation of Knowledge Verses 17-20 pivot when Asaph enters the sanctuary: “then I discerned their end.” Final judgment will expose every deed (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 20:12). God’s omniscience will move from contested doctrine to undeniable reality. Practical Application for Believers 1. Guard the heart against envy (v. 3); apparent impunity is temporary. 2. Maintain God-awareness through worship (v. 17); perspective shifts in His presence. 3. Proclaim divine omniscience evangelistically (Acts 17:31); confront willful ignorance with truth and grace. Conclusion The wicked question God’s knowledge because prosperity nurtures arrogance, rebellion suppresses truth, and psychological self-defense masks guilt. Scripture, reason, history, and eschatology converge to affirm the opposite: “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). |
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