Psalms 73:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנִ֤י׀

H589

But

קִֽרֲבַ֥ת

H7132

for me to draw near

approach

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

to God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִ֫י

ט֥וֹב

H2896

it is good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

שַׁתִּ֤י׀

H7896

I have put

to place (in a very wide application)

בַּאדֹנָ֣י

H136

in the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹ֣ה

H3069

GOD

god

מַחְסִ֑י

H4268

my trust

a shelter (literally or figuratively)

#10

לְ֝סַפֵּ֗ר

H5608

that I may declare

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מַלְאֲכוֹתֶֽיךָ׃

H4399

all thy works

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?