Psalm 52:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster. A Maskil of David, when Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.

NIV: For the director of music. A maskil of David. When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him: 'David has gone to the house of Ahimelek.' Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?

NASB: Why do you boast in evil, you mighty man? The faithfulness of God endures all day long.

CSB: Why boast about evil, you hero! God's faithful love is constant.

NLT: Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?

KJV: {To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.} Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of David when Doeg the Edomite went and told Saul, and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.”} Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.

This psalm is directed at Doeg, an Edomite herder who informed Saul about David's encounter with a local priest (1 Samuel 21:1–9; 22:9–10). Doeg then murdered the priests and their families at Saul's command (1 Samuel 22:17–19). Terms like "mighty man" or "man of valor" were often used of skilled warriors (2 Kings 5:1; 1 Samuel 16:18; Isaiah 42:13). Using that title for a rancher who committed mass murder against innocents mocks Doeg's lack of integrity and true valor.

Scripture makes no references to Doeg other than that incident. Yet it seems he bragged about his deeds. Or, at least, he showed no remorse for the innocent blood he'd shed. David compares Doeg's bragging about evil to the constant, daily love of the Lord. Later, David will point out that this love will lead to God's judgment on evil people (Psalm 52:5). Human beings' evil deeds stand in stark contrast to God's immeasurable love. Murderers show contempt for their fellow human beings. They have no regard for the fact that God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27). They push aside the truth that "God shows his love for us in that we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Psalm 52:1–4 depicts a "mighty man." The description is probably sarcastic: it refers to the herdsman Doeg (1 Samuel 22:9–10) who betrayed David and murdered priests (1 Samuel 22:17–19). David's song portrays Doeg as someone who brags about his own sin and whose words are maliciously dangerous. He practices evil despite God's unfailing, endless love. That love will lead to judgment for those who practice such evil (Psalm 52:5).

David addresses "mighty man," possibly with a touch of sarcasm. This person brags about his intentions, and his words destroy others. However, God will punish this wicked person by bringing about his death. The righteous will see this judgment and mock those who trusted in their resources instead of trusting in the Lord. By contrast, David trusts God's unfailing love forever, resulting in his continuous praise of the Lord. This song was written in response to the treachery of Doeg, who betrayed one of David's allies (1 Samuel 22:9–10) and killed many priests (1 Samuel 22:17–19).

This psalm describes the wicked character of someone addressed as "mighty man." This was Doeg, a herdsman who supported King Saul against David. Doeg slaughtered the household of Ahimelech because Ahimelech helped David by giving him provisions (1 Samuel 21:1–9; 22:6–23). While not as famous as others, this is one of the "imprecatory psalms" which call for God's judgment against evildoers (Psalm 35; 69; 109).

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.