Psalm 50:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.

NIV: When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.

NASB: When you see a thief, you become friends with him, And you associate with adulterers.

CSB: When you see a thief, you make friends with him, and you associate with adulterers.

NLT: When you see thieves, you approve of them, and you spend your time with adulterers.

KJV: When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

NKJV: When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers.

In this verse God, the ultimate Judge (Psalm 50:1–6) levels two charges against the defendants, the wicked Israelites (Psalm 50:7). These are specific accusations extending from the basic charge of hypocrisy (Psalm 50:16). Israel is offering sacrifices to the Lord, but He rejects them (Psalm 50:8–9). Their disobedience is not accidental; the nation in Asaph's time (Psalm 50:1) was deliberately and arrogantly throwing God's will to the side (Psalm 50:17; 73:2–3).

The first two examples given involve direct violations of God's basic rules for Israel: the Ten Commandments. First is theft (Exodus 20:15). Rather than challenging those who stole—directly or by dishonest means—they tolerate such evils (Romans 1:32). In the context of worship, this is especially offensive. The Lord asks in Jeremiah 7:11, "Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes?" After arriving in Jerusalem to present Himself as Israel's Messiah, Jesus entered the temple and expelled the moneychangers. In that incident, He used similar language (Matthew 21:13).

The second charge given here is essentially identical but applies to the sin of adultery (Exodus 20:14). Sexual immorality and blatant thievery are not compatible with a worshipful attitude towards the Lord (Psalm 50:14).

Psalm 50:16–23 closes with strong criticism for hypocritical worship. Israel is being judged by God (Psalm 50:7) for offering sacrifices (Psalm 50:8) but doing so while participating in blatant sin and disobedience. Mere performance of rituals does not buy God's forgiveness. The Lord condemns the ungodly attitudes of the people and warns of dire consequences for those who do not change.

Asaph depicts God as an unimaginably glorious judge, calling the entire world to hear a divine verdict. Israel has offered sacrifices, but God ignores them. The nation rejects His laws. It is pervaded with blatant sin, even while they claim to be God's chosen people. The Lord's patience does not mean He does not notice. Those who continue ignoring Him will be "torn apart" without any possibility of rescue. Those who respond to God with sincerity will be rescued.

This psalm, written by Asaph, addresses the Lord's intended connection between religious rituals and daily behavior. When the people offer sacrifices, but blatantly reject God's laws, they invite judgment. This passage notes national sins mentioned directly in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14–16). In other writings, Asaph expresses frustration over Israel's continued rebellion and God's delayed response (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:10).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.