Psalms 73:17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Psalms 73:17
The pivotal turn of the psalm occurs here: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” The sanctuary represents God’s presence, liturgy, and revelation. In this sacred space, the psalmist transcends the surface realities and enters into God’s perspective. The “end” refers to ultimate judgment and the final fate of the wicked, contrasted with the enduring security of God’s people. It is in worship, prayer, and communal life that truth becomes usable wisdom. The sanctuary is the place where perception shifts from envy and confusion to trust and hope. The verse marks the shift from self-centered rumination to God-centered revelation.
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the transformative power of worship and divine encounter. It asserts that true understanding of life’s apparent paradoxes comes not from human reasoning but from proximity to God. The sanctuary functions as a lens: when we are near God, we can see the broader arc of justice and mercy. It also foreshadows the eschatological judgment where the wicked end up in destruction, and the faithful are secure in God’s presence.
Practically, create regular rhythms to “go to the sanctuary” today: time in worship, prayer, Scripture reading, or Christian community where you can present your doubts and receive perspective. If you’re overwhelmed by life’s contradictions, schedule quiet time or a walk in a church or nature where you can recalibrate your heart toward God. Let God’s promises shape your view of the present: trust in God’s justice, even when you can’t see it happen immediately.
Cross-References: Psalm 27:4-5; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 6:1-3; 2 Corinthians 3:16