What does Psalm 50:22 mean?

The people of Israel, in Asaph's day (Psalm 50:1; 73:2–3; 74:10) were blatantly sinning (Psalm 50:18–20) while engaging in hypocritical rituals (Psalm 50:8–9). Romans 2:17–22 accuses a much later generation of Israelites of knowing God's law, and teaching it to others, while violating it. This resulted in God's name being smeared by nonbelievers (Romans 2:23–24). In this passage, God condemns the insincerity of ancient Israel. That the people "forget" God is not an accident or a lapse in memory. Earlier verses noted how the nation arrogantly threw the Lord's will to the side (Psalm 50:16–17). They "forget" through an intentional choice to ignore what they know. But God is not limited or corruptible like human beings (Psalm 50:21). This leads to the dire warning of this verse.

Compared to other passages in Scripture, this is an extremely brief description of the Lord's impending judgment. Unless they repent and change (Psalm 50:23), He will "tear apart" the nation and no one will be able to rescue them. God's patience is not a sign of weakness—He will not ignore the wicked forever. Romans 1:18 declares: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." Ultimately, all the wicked will be judged and, because their names are not inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life, they will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).