Psalm 50:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

NIV: From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

NASB: Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone.

CSB: From Zion, the perfection of beauty, God appears in radiance.

NLT: From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance.

KJV: Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

NKJV: Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth.

This passage introduces God using a three-part description of His power and authority. Along with that description, everything in creation is commanded to attend His words (Psalm 50:1). His glory emanates from His chosen location; in this case, it is the temple on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

Zion is an alternate name for Jerusalem, the "city of God." It was originally a Canaanite city, but David claimed it and moved the ark of the covenant there (2 Samuel 6:12–15). Later Zion was referred to as the temple and the holy hill (Psalms 3:4; 15:1), "the hill of the Lᴏʀᴅ" (Psalm 24:3), and "[God's] holy mountain" (Zephaniah 3:11). Psalm 78:68 states emphatically that the Lord loves Mount Zion (cf. Psalm 87:1–2). Much of Jerusalem's praise in Scripture comes from its status as the de-facto capital city of God's chosen people (Ecclesiastes 1:12). Mostly, however, Zion is applauded as the location of the temple (Psalm 2:6; 48:2; 68:29; 132:13; Joel 3:17; Zechariah 8:3). This was the site of God's "presence" on earth during the Old Testament period (Psalm 11:4; Habakkuk 2:20).

Psalm 50:1–6 establishes the nature of God as supreme Judge. Three separate terms are used to identify Him; these highlight His existence as the only true God. The Lord calls His people for judgment and the entire earth to hear the ruling. This gives great weight to the accusations made in the following verses. God's overall criticism is that Israel hypocritically participates in sacrifices, while blatantly defying His will through sin and immorality.

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.