Psalms 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The conclusion demonstrates that Asaph's crisis produced not mere survival but mission. His struggle became the content of his declaration. Psalm 73 itself is the fulfillment of his resolve to declare God's works.
The concept of drawing near to God was central to Israel's worship system. Priests drew near to offer sacrifices; the people drew near through prescribed means. The Hebrew root qarav underlies the word for "offering" (qorban)—sacrifice was the means of drawing near. For New Testament believers, Christ's sacrifice enables permanent nearness: "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22).
Testimony of God's works was a primary function of Israelite worship. Psalms regularly recount God's mighty acts in creation, exodus, and providence. By declaring what God has done, the community reinforced faith and invited future generations into the same trust.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Asaph's conclusion ('it is good for me to draw near to God') answer the envy he expressed earlier?
- What does it mean to 'draw near' to God in practical, daily terms?
- How does personal crisis, when resolved through faith, become material for testimony?
- What 'works' of God might you declare based on your own journey through doubt to faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. The psalm concludes with Asaph's settled resolution, answering the crisis that began in verse 2. The opening word "but" (va'ani, וַאֲנִי, "but as for me") echoes the same phrase from verse 2, creating an inclusio that frames the psalm's journey.
"It is good for me" (li-tov, לִי־טוֹב) responds directly to verse 1's affirmation that "God is good." Asaph has discovered that the good he envied in the wicked's prosperity was counterfeit. True good is found in nearness to God. "To draw near" (qirvat, קִרְבַת) denotes approach, closeness, intimate access—the opposite of the distance Asaph felt during his crisis.
"I have put my trust in the Lord GOD" (samti baAdonai Yahweh machsi, שַׁתִּי בַּאדֹנָי יְהוִה מַחְסִי) uses both divine titles—Adonai (Lord, Master) and Yahweh (the covenant name). Machseh (refuge, shelter) indicates that Asaph has made God his place of safety and protection.
"That I may declare all thy works" (lesapper kol-mala'khotekha, לְסַפֵּר כָּל־מַלְאֲכוֹתֶיךָ) reveals the purpose of his restored faith: testimony. The verb saphar means to recount, tell, declare. Having experienced God's restoration, Asaph commits to proclaiming God's works—including the very psalm we have just read.