Psalms 50
Psalms 50 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 50 summary
This psalm, as the former, is a psalm of instruction, not of prayer or praise; it is a psalm of reproof and admonition, in singing which we are to teach and admonish one another. In the foregoing psalm, after a general demand of attention, God by his prophet deals (Psa 50:3) with the children of this world, to convince them of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the wealth of this world; in this psalm, after a like preface, he deals with those that were, in profession, the church's children, to convince them of their sin and folly in placing their religion in ritual services, while they neglected practical godliness; and this is…
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This psalm, as the former, is a psalm of instruction, not of prayer or praise; it is a psalm of reproof and admonition, in singing which we are to teach and admonish one another. In the foregoing psalm, after a general demand of attention, God by his prophet deals (Psa 50:3) with the children of this world, to convince them of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the wealth of this world; in this psalm, after a like preface, he deals with those that were, in profession, the church's children, to convince them of their sin and folly in placing their religion in ritual services, while they neglected practical godliness; and this is as sure a way to ruin as the other. This psalm is intended, 1. As a proof to the carnal Jews, both those that rested in the external performances of their religion, and were remiss in the more excellent duties of prayer and praise, and those that expounded the law to others, but lived wicked lives themselves. 2. As a prediction of the abolishing of the ceremonial law, and of the introducing of a spiritual way of worship in and by the kingdom of the Messiah, Joh 4:23, Joh 4:24. 3. As a representation of the day of judgment, in which God will call men to an account concerning their observance of those things which they have thus been taught; men shall be judged "according to what is written in the books;" and therefore Christ is fitly represented speaking as a Judge, then when he speaks as a Lawgiver. Here is, I. The glorious appearance of the Prince that gives law and judgment (Psa 50:1-6). II. Instruction given to his worshippers, to turn their sacrifices into prayers (Psa 50:7-15). III. A rebuke to those that pretend to worship God, but live in disobedience to his commands (Psa 50:16-20), their doom read (Psa 50:21, Psa 50:22), and warning given to all to look to their conversation as well as to their devotions (Psa 50:23). These instructions and admonitions we must take to ourselves, and give to one another, in singing this psalm. A psalm of Asaph.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 50 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
God Himself Is Judge
1A Psalme of Asaph. The God of Gods, euen the Lord hath spoken and called the earth from the rising vp of the sunne vnto the going downe thereof. 2Out of Zion, which is the perfection of beautie, hath God shined. 3Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence: a fire shall deuoure before him, and a mightie tempest shall be mooued round about him. 4Hee shall call the heauen aboue, and the earth to iudge his people. 5Gather my Saints together vnto me, those that make a couenant with me with sacrifice. 6And the heauens shall declare his righteousnes: for God is iudge himselfe. Selah. 7Heare, O my people, and I wil speake: heare, O Israel, and I wil testifie vnto thee: for I am God, euen thy God. 8I wil not reproue thee for thy sacrifices, or thy burnt offerings, that haue not bene continually before me. 9I will take no bullocke out of thine house, nor goates out of thy foldes. 10For all the beastes of the forest are mine, and the beastes on a thousand mountaines. 11I knowe all the foules on the mountaines: and the wilde beastes of the fielde are mine. 12If I bee hungry, I will not tell thee: for the world is mine, and all that therein is. 13Will I eate the flesh of bulles? or drinke the blood of goates? 14Offer vnto God praise, and pay thy vowes vnto the most High, 15And call vpon me in the day of trouble: so will I deliuer thee, and thou shalt glorifie me. 16But vnto the wicked said God, What hast thou to doe to declare mine ordinances, that thou shouldest take my couenant in thy mouth, 17Seeing thou hatest to bee reformed, and hast cast my wordes behinde thee? 18For when thou seest a thiefe, thou runnest with him, and thou art partaker with the adulterers. 19Thou giuest thy mouth to euill, and with thy tongue thou forgest deceit. 20Thou sittest, and speakest against thy brother, and slanderest thy mothers sonne. 21These things hast thou done, and I held my tongue: therefore thou thoughtest that I was like thee: but I will reproue thee, and set them in order before thee. 22Oh cosider this, ye that forget God, least I teare you in pieces, and there be none that can deliuer you. 23He that offereth praise, shall glorifie mee: and to him, that disposeth his way aright, will I shew the saluation of God.