Salmos 73

A Psalm of Asaph.

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
*
A inveja da prosperidade dos ímpios é um tema recorrente na literatura sapiencial (ver Jó 21:7-15; Sl 37:1). Reflete a crise da teologia da retribuição terrena, comum no Antigo Oriente Próximo.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
*
A expressão 'olhos inchados de gordura' usa uma imagem comum no AT para descrever arrogância decorrente da riqueza (ver Sl 17:10; Jó 15:27). Arqueologicamente, tabletes mesopotâmicos também associam obesidade à prosperidade.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
*
Tradução controversa: o hebraico é obscuro. Alguns manuscritos da LXX sugerem 'seu povo volta aqui', enquanto o TM traz 'seu povo se volta para eles'. A dificuldade gerou variantes nas traduções modernas.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
*
A dúvida 'Como sabe Deus?' reflete ceticismo antigo sobre a onisciência divina, paralelo em Mq 7:10 e Ezequiel 8:12. Contexto histórico mostra que crises sociais geravam questionamentos teológicos.
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
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A entrada no 'santuário' (possivelmente o Templo) como lugar de revelação. Arqueologia confirma que templos eram centros de oráculos no antigo Israel (comparar com 1Rs 8:31-53).
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh; so , O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
*
A imagem do sonho desprezado ao acordar ecoa em Isaías 29:7-8. Reflete a crença na transitoriedade do sucesso ímpio, tema central da teologia deuteronômica.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
*
'Receber-me na glória' foi interpretado messianicamente por alguns pais da Igreja, vinculando a Cristo (Hb 2:10). Na leitura original, provavelmente indica proteção divina na vida presente.
Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
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.