Psalm 52:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

NIV: But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

NASB: But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the faithfulness of God forever and ever.

CSB: But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God's faithful love forever and ever.

NLT: But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.

KJV: But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

NKJV: But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

In this psalm, David condemns a man who used evil speech to murder many innocent people (Psalm 52:1–4; 1 Samuel 22:9–10, 17–19). David fully expects God to repay the wicked person as an example to others (Psalm 52:5–7). In contrast, David expects to be blessed by God on account of submissive faith.

David compares himself to a green olive tree. This picture is meant to imply prosperity and longevity (Psalm 1:3). Olive trees are renowned for their long lives and continual productivity. Jeremiah 17:7–8 states: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lᴏʀᴅ, whose trust is in the Lᴏʀᴅ. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out it roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." This is a direct contrast to the wicked who will be "uprooted" (Psalm 52:5).

Like David, who was a blessing to Israel, believers who live in a close relationship with the Lord are a blessing to others and bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Psalm 52:5–9 closes the song condemning Doeg, the herdsman who betrayed innocent priests to their deaths (Psalm 52:1; 1 Samuel 22:9–10, 17–19). David predicts God's punishment of the evil man. He expects the Lord to snuff out Doeg's life, to the satisfaction of the righteous. In contrast, David is confident God will prosper him, because he prefers what is good and right. In response to God's goodness, David will thank and praise Him.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 3:15:18 AM