Psalm 49

A song in keeping with the wisdom literature, this Psalm speaks to the problem of trusting in wealth.

In previous Psalms, David raised the issue of the prosperity of the wicked, and his own bewilderment about it.  Why did God let them prosper?  And why is life hard for the righteous?  David came to the conclusion that the wicked would enjoy their wealth and prosperity here and here only.....it won't follow them to their grave.  Indeed, once they die, there is no hope for them, as their hope was in their riches, and not in God.  He will not receive the wicked into His heaven for eternity.

Here, the sons of Korah contemplate the same issues.

Why fear when trouble comes?  The enemy, the wicked, who trust in their wealth and riches,
cause much trouble for the righteous.   We should not fear, for the Lord will deal with them....in His time.  The point is made tat the price of life cannot be paid.  No one can buy life for another, nor can one purchase his own life from God.  One thing is sure, we will all see physical death (unless Christ comes first!).....rich, poor, wicked or righteous.

We will all leave behind our 'wealth' for those that come behind us.  For the wicked, that is it.....they may be spoken well of after their death, ut their soul will know none of it.  They will be 'consumed' in Sheol (the grave).  But the righteous will be ransomed by God! Per the RSB study notes, "God doesn't accept ransom, but provides it.  Only He can pay the price for our lives, and 'receive' us into eternal life.....where our earthly stuff will be forgotten.

(per NKJV notes, 'receive' is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 5:24 when God 'took' Enoch.)

Take hope in this when you see the wicked prosper and flourish. And also when you feel cheated in lacking ease in life.  It is temporary and vain, for without understanding any hope and trust that one puts in earthly wealth is very foolish.