Psalm 49 is both a wisdom psalm and a Korahite psalm. It addresses the problem of the prosperity of the wicked from a distinctly "Korahite" perspective.
The psalmist begins by announcing that he'll be addressing an issue of universal relevance. Everyone will want to pay attention (vv 1-4).
He goes on to say that death is a great equalizer. Both rich and poor experience it, and we can't buy our way out of it or take our material wealth with us. So any advantage that the wealthy have is illusory and temporary.
Death is not the end of the story, however, for the wise, those who fear God. The psalmist declares in verse 15, "But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah."
The psalmist's confidence may come from Korahite family history---their collective memory that while the (allegedly wealthy) Korah was swallowed up by the ground, his children, who did not go along with his rebellion, were miraculously rescued.
No comments:
Post a Comment