Psalm 50:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.

NIV: "Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God.

NASB: 'Hear, My people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; I am God, your God.

CSB: "Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel. I am God, your God.

NLT: 'O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God!

KJV: Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

NKJV: “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God!

The introduction of this psalm depicted God arriving in profound glory, to render a verdict in front of the entire earth (Psalm 50:1–6). In this verse, God, the Judge, addresses the people of Israel directly (Exodus 6:7). He tells them He is God, their God, and He commands them to hear what He has to say. Later comments show this is a pointed remark: the people have been ignoring much of God's will (Psalm 50:16–21). They know what God says, but they barely cooperate by going through some of the motions.

The key is not merely "that" a person hears God, in that they are aware of His words. It matters "how" a person hears God—do they take sincere interest in His message? Are they willing to submit to His will? He always speaks the truth and has something life-changing to say. Jesus said, "Take care then how you hear" (Luke 8:18). He gave this instruction after relating a parable about seeds and soils (Luke 8:4–8). In that analogy, the same message has vastly different effects depending on "how" people receive it. The parable taught the importance of preparing the heart to welcome the Word (Luke 8:9–15).

Psalm 50:7–15 explains the judgment which God came to deliver in the prior passage. All of creation was called to witness this verdict, given to the supposedly faithful people of the Lord (Psalm 50:1–6). In this passage, God notes that Israel hypocritically participates in sacrifices and rituals—yet they ignore God in their lives. Sin and disobedience mark their habits (Psalm 50:17). Still, they assume God is pleased with them. The Lord explains that without sincerity, those rituals are meaningless.

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.