Psalms 73:20
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings built monuments and established dynasties hoping for eternal fame. Yet most disappeared like morning mist. Only that which honors God endures; human glory fades like grass (Isaiah 40:6-8).
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of worldly success are 'dream-like'—seeming real but actually insubstantial?
- How does viewing life from God's eternal 'awakened' perspective change your priorities?
- What legacy are you building—one that vanishes like dreams or endures eternally?
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Analysis & Commentary
The wicked's life is compared to a dream upon waking: 'As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.' Dreams seem real during sleep but vanish upon waking, leaving nothing substantial. Similarly, the wicked's prosperity seems significant now but will prove insubstantial when God 'awakens' to judge. 'Despise their image' means reject their pretensions and self-importance. Eternal perspective reveals temporal success as vapor (James 4:14).