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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 73:18 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/73-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_073_018.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 73:18 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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you cast them down to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You indeed put them on slippery ground; You dropped them into ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Surely Thou dost set them in slippery places; Thou dost cast them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Surely You set them in slippery places; You cause them to fall to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Surely You set the wicked-minded <i>and</i> immoral on slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, You put them in slippery places; You make them fall into ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You will make them stumble, never to get up again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Surely thou settest them in slippery places: thou castest them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You put them in slippery places and make them fall into ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You will put them in slippery places and make them fall to destruction! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You have certainly set them in slippery places; you will make them fall to their ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou didst cast them down into destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Surely You set them in slippery places, "" You have caused them to fall to desolations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Only, in slippery places Thou dost set them, Thou hast caused them to fall to desolations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Surely in slippery places thou wilt set them, to cast them down into ruins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But indeed for deceits thou hast put it to them: when they were lifted up thou hast cast them down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:18>So, because of deceitfulness, truly, you have placed it before them. While they were being lifted up, you were casting them down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/73.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thou didst appoint their portion according to their deceitfulness; thou didst cast them down when they exalted themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You will appoint for them according to their foolishness and you will cast them down when they are exalted.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Surely Thou settest them in slippery places; Thou hurlest them down to utter ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Surely thou hast appointed <i>judgments</i> to them because of their crafty dealings: thou hast cast them down when they were lifted up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=8908" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Endow the King with Your Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: tā·šîṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">You set</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·mōw (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2513.htm" title="2513: ba·ḥă·lā·qō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-mp) -- Smoothness, flattery, an allotment. Feminine of cheleq; properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery; also an allotment.">on slick ground;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: hip·pal·tām (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">You cast them down</a> <a href="/hebrew/4876.htm" title="4876: lə·maš·šū·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: N-fp) -- Perhaps deceptions. Or mashshu ah; for mshow'ah; ruin.">into ruin.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a></span><br />There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20</a></span><br />But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-30.htm">Job 21:30</a></span><br />Indeed, the evil man is spared from the day of calamity, delivered from the day of wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-11.htm">Isaiah 47:11</a></span><br />But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-39.htm">Matthew 24:39</a></span><br />And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Jeremiah 23:12</a></span><br />“Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-13.htm">Isaiah 30:13</a></span><br />this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-22.htm">Romans 11:22</a></span><br />Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Ezekiel 18:24</a></span><br />But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Surely you did set them in slippery places: you cast them down into destruction.</p><p class="hdg">surely</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-6.htm">Psalm 35:6</a></b></br> Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></b></br> To me <i>belongeth</i> vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in <i>due</i> time: for the day of their calamity <i>is</i> at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Jeremiah 23:12</a></b></br> Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery <i>ways</i> in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, <i>even</i> the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">thou castedst</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Psalm 37:20,24,35-38</a></b></br> But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD <i>shall be</i> as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm 55:23</a></b></br> But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/92-7.htm">Psalm 92:7</a></b></br> When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; <i>it is</i> that they shall be destroyed for ever:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/71-9.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/psalms/50-17.htm">Castest</a> <a href="/psalms/66-12.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/psalms/40-13.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/psalms/69-5.htm">Desolations</a> <a href="/psalms/69-25.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/72-11.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/44-25.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/72-9.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/70-2.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/psalms/9-6.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/psalms/65-6.htm">Settest</a> <a href="/psalms/35-6.htm">Slippery</a> <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Slipping</a> <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/psalms/73-8.htm">Utter</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/psalms/88-14.htm">Castest</a> <a href="/psalms/76-8.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/psalms/79-9.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Desolations</a> <a href="/psalms/73-19.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/78-28.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/74-7.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/74-8.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/89-40.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/psalms/104-20.htm">Settest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Slippery</a> <a href="/psalms/94-18.htm">Slipping</a> <a href="/psalms/75-8.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/108-9.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/psalms/76-8.htm">Utter</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 73</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">The prophet, prevailing in a temptation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Shows the occasion thereof, the prosperity of the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">The wound given thereby, diffidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-15.htm">The victory over it, knowledge of God's purpose.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/73.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/73.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Surely You set them on slick ground;</b><br>This phrase highlights the precarious position of the wicked, who may appear stable and prosperous but are actually on unstable footing. The imagery of "slick ground" suggests a lack of firm foundation, reminiscent of the parable of the house built on sand (<a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Matthew 7:26-27</a>). In biblical times, slick or slippery ground would be a common hazard, especially in hilly or mountainous regions where rain could quickly turn paths treacherous. This metaphor underscores the temporary and uncertain nature of the prosperity of the wicked, contrasting with the firm foundation of those who trust in God (<a href="/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2</a>). Theologically, it reflects the principle that God is sovereign over the destinies of all people, and He allows the wicked to continue in their ways only for a time, ultimately leading to their downfall.<p><b>You cast them down into ruin.</b><br>This phrase speaks to the ultimate judgment and destruction that awaits the wicked. The act of being "cast down" implies a sudden and forceful action, indicating divine intervention. The term "ruin" suggests complete desolation and is often used in the context of divine judgment throughout the Old Testament (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/13-6.htm">Isaiah 13:6</a>, <a href="/ezekiel/7-25.htm">Ezekiel 7:25</a>). Historically, this reflects the fate of many nations and individuals who opposed God's will, such as the fall of Babylon (<a href="/isaiah/47-11.htm">Isaiah 47:11</a>). Culturally, the concept of divine retribution was well understood in ancient Israel, where God's justice was seen as inevitable and righteous. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of the Day of the Lord, a time when God will judge the earth and establish His kingdom (<a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Zephaniah 1:15-18</a>). In a typological sense, it foreshadows the ultimate defeat of evil through Jesus Christ, who will cast down all powers and authorities opposed to God's kingdom (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-24.htm">1 Corinthians 15:24-25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his honest and heartfelt psalms that often explore the tension between the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>In this context, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's ways, often prospering in worldly terms but ultimately facing divine judgment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign judge who sets the wicked on "slick ground," indicating His control over their ultimate fate.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/slick_ground.htm">Slick Ground</a></b><br>A metaphor for instability and impending downfall, representing the precarious position of those who reject God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/ruin.htm">Ruin</a></b><br>The ultimate end of the wicked, a state of destruction and judgment as a consequence of their actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_prosperity.htm">The Illusion of Prosperity</a></b><br>The prosperity of the wicked is temporary and deceptive. While they may seem secure, their foundation is unstable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God is in control and will ultimately bring justice. The wicked are not beyond His reach, and their downfall is certain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_firm_foundation.htm">The Importance of a Firm Foundation</a></b><br>Believers are called to build their lives on the solid ground of God's truth, avoiding the slick ground of worldly allurements.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>We must trust in God's timing for justice, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and will act according to His perfect will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Reflect on areas in our own lives where we might be standing on "slick ground" and seek to align ourselves more closely with God's ways.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Surely thou didst set them up</span> <span class="cmt_word">in slippery places.</span> The wicked have at no time any sure hold on their prosperity. They are a "set in slippery places" - places from which they may easily slip and fall. <span class="cmt_word">Thou castedst them down to destruction.</span> The fall often comes, even in this life. The flourishing cities of the plain are destroyed by fire from heaven; Pharaoh's land is ruined by the plagues, and his host destroyed in the Red Sea; Sennacherib's army perishes in a night; Jezebel is devoured by dogs; Athaliah is slain with the sword; Antiochus Epiphanes perishes in a distant expedition; Herod Agrippa is eaton of worms; persecutors, like Nero, Galerius, Julian, come to untimely ends. A signal retribution visits the wicked in hundreds and thousands of instances. When it does not, the question remains - Is death the end? This point is not formally brought forward, but it underlies the whole argument; and, unless retribution after death be regarded as certain, a single exception to the general rule of retribution in this life would upset the solution which the psalmist finds satisfactory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You set them</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּשִׁ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(tā·šîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on slick ground;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֭חֲלָקוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥă·lā·qō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2513.htm">Strong's 2513: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smoothness, flattery, an allotment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You cast them down</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(hip·pal·tām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into ruin.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַשּׁוּאֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maš·šū·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4876.htm">Strong's 4876: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps deceptions</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:18 Surely you set them in slippery places (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/73-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 73:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>