Psalm 73:20 – “They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.”
Psalm 73:20 provides an eye-opening realization for Asaph about the fate of the wicked. He compares the lives of those who reject God to a fleeting dream, something that seems real for a moment but disappears when one wakes up. This verse reflects the temporary nature of worldly success and the eventual end of those who live apart from God. Asaph’s words show that the apparent strength and prosperity of the wicked are, in reality, illusions that will fade in the light of God’s judgment. Let’s explore the deeper meaning, context, and lessons of this verse for Christians today.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Asaph describes the fate of the wicked as something fleeting and insubstantial, like a dream. Just as a dream seems vivid but vanishes upon waking, so too is the prosperity of those who ignore or defy God. Asaph realizes that when God “arises” to judge, the lives of the wicked will be shown for what they are—temporary and ultimately meaningless. This verse highlights the difference between earthly success and true, lasting worth found only in a relationship with God. The power and security of the wicked may seem solid, but Asaph now understands it’s only an illusion, destined to vanish when God’s justice is revealed.
Historical Context
Asaph was a worship leader and Levite in ancient Israel, living in a society that valued faithfulness to God and His commandments. In Israel’s faith tradition, those who honored God were expected to find blessing and security, while those who ignored Him would face consequences. Asaph’s struggle earlier in this psalm is understandable, as he tries to make sense of the apparent success of those who ignore God. In this verse, however, he finds peace, recognizing that the prosperity of the wicked is like a passing dream. This understanding reflects a foundational belief in Israel that God’s justice would ultimately prevail, even if it seemed delayed.
Theological Implications
Psalm 73:20 reminds believers that only God offers lasting value and security. The theological message is clear: a life built without God may seem successful but is ultimately hollow and temporary. This verse encourages Christians to look beyond the temporary allure of worldly success and recognize the eternal perspective that God offers. It warns that anything achieved without God is ultimately meaningless, as God’s judgment will reveal the truth. This understanding helps believers place their trust not in temporary things but in the eternal security that comes from a life committed to God.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 73 is written in a reflective, almost poetic style, with verse 20 using metaphor to create a vivid image. By comparing the lives of the wicked to a “dream,” Asaph communicates the fleeting nature of their success. A dream can feel real in the moment, but when we awaken, it quickly disappears. Similarly, the achievements of those who live apart from God may seem impressive but will fade away when God’s justice is revealed. This metaphor highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, showing that only a life built on God’s truth has lasting value.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 37:35-36 – “I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.” This passage mirrors Asaph’s realization that the wicked, no matter how prosperous, will fade.
- James 4:14 – “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James reminds believers of the brevity of life, emphasizing the importance of building a life that lasts.
- Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Jesus teaches that earthly wealth is temporary, urging believers to seek eternal treasures instead.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Psalm 73:20 serves as a reminder to focus on what truly lasts. It can be tempting to envy the success of those who ignore God, but this verse encourages believers to view life from an eternal perspective. Earthly wealth, power, and success are like dreams—real for a moment but gone when we “wake up” to God’s reality. This verse encourages Christians to invest their lives in what is eternal, knowing that only a relationship with God provides lasting value. It challenges believers to place their hope in God rather than in temporary achievements or possessions.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 73:20 shows that God’s love includes helping His people see the truth. A loving God doesn’t want His people to build their lives on things that will fade; instead, He calls them to find lasting purpose and security in Him. God’s judgment is not about harshness but about revealing what is true and lasting. By giving Asaph this insight, God demonstrates His desire for His people to find peace and satisfaction in what truly matters. God’s love is evident in His guidance, helping believers avoid the trap of building their lives on things that won’t last.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who taught about the importance of seeking God’s kingdom rather than relying on temporary worldly success. In His parables and teachings, Jesus warned against the dangers of living for material wealth, urging His followers to build their lives on God’s eternal truth. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compares those who follow His teachings to a wise person who builds on a solid foundation. Through Jesus, believers are reminded that true security is found only in God and that anything built apart from Him will eventually disappear.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt tempted to envy the success of people who don’t follow God? How does this verse change your perspective?
- How does viewing life as temporary help you focus on what truly matters?
- In what ways can you invest in things that have eternal value rather than temporary success?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on seeking God’s kingdom help you prioritize your life?
- How can you encourage others to see the temporary nature of worldly success and find lasting value in God?
Psalm 73:20 encourages believers to place their trust in what lasts, knowing that only a life built on God’s truth has real and lasting value. This verse reassures Christians that the apparent success of the wicked is fleeting and that true peace and purpose are found in a relationship with God. Through Jesus, believers are called to seek the eternal over the temporary, finding security in the solid foundation that God provides.