Psalms 50 - Printer Friendly

This segment was written by Asaph, who also composed psalms 73—83. His other works include frustration at the hypocrisy of his era and God's delayed response (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:10). Asaph was a worship leader during the time of David (1 Chronicles 16:7, 37).

In dramatic language, the psalm describes God as the transcendent Judge coming to deliver a verdict. The entire world is commanded to hear His statement. The introduction is like Joshua 22:22; it provides a three-part identification which calls Him "The Mighty One," "God," and "the Lᴏʀᴅ." His glory is like brilliant light, fire, and storms. God addresses His people, the nation of Israel (Psalm 50:1–6).

God's complaint against Israel is not that they fail to offer sacrifices. Rather, they offer sacrifices constantly, but the Lord does not accept them. He clarifies that He does not "need" to be given animals, since He already owns everything in creation. Nor does God require food. His purpose in commanding sacrifice is deeper than mindlessly performing rituals. His will is for Israel to perform these rites with a spirit of gratitude and humility. That glorifies God and invites His salvation (Psalm 50:7–15).

Instead, Israel had been arrogantly throwing the Lord's commandments aside and living in blatant sin. God makes note of explicit violations of the Ten Commandments, including theft and adultery (Exodus 20:14–15). The nation has been engaged in division and slander (Exodus 20:16); they tear each other apart, spiritually, while assuming God will not answer. His patience is not weakness, however. Those who refuse to repent will be torn apart, literally, without any hope of rescue. Those who seek the Lord with sincerity and gratitude will see "the salvation of God" (Psalm 50:16–23).

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.

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.

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.