Psalm 50:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah

NIV: And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.

NASB: And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah

CSB: The heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God is the Judge. Selah

NLT: Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Interlude

KJV: And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

NKJV: Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Selah

Romans 1:18–20 notes that God's basic attributes are suggested by nature, such that no one has an excuse not to seek Him (Matthew 7:7–8). Psalm 19:1 makes a similar remark about how creation displays God's glory. In this psalm, God is depicted arriving to pronounce judgment, radiating unspeakable glory and power (Psalm 50:1–4). His intent is to pronounce a verdict on Israel, His chosen people (Psalm 50:5). The same creation that speaks to His nature also indicates His right to serve as the ultimate, perfectly righteous Judge over all (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Human judges may commit errors. It is possible for a fallible courtroom to convict an innocent person; also possible is to declare a guilty person innocent. Yet the decisions of God are always accurate and deserved. He alone is perfectly knowing (1 John 3:20) and perfectly good (Psalm 106:1), so His judgments are perfectly correct.

The apostle James urged Christians not to grumble against one another, so they would not be judged. He assured them that "the Judge is standing at the door" (James 5:9). According to Acts 17:31 God has appointed Jesus to judge the world, and He will do so in righteousness. In addressing the Laodicean church, the Lord Jesus identifies Himself as "the faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14). Revelation 19:11–16 pictures Jesus arriving on a white horse to execute judgment on the nations. Verse 11 says He is "called Faithful and True" and declares that "in righteousness he judges and makes war."

Selah is a term without a clear definition. The term seems to imply a break, a reflection, or a moment of praise.

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.