August 16, 2017 (Wednesday)
Psalm 53 is almost the same as Psalm 14. We do not know why there are two psalms almost exactly like each other. The history of God’s people is one of being oppressed by godless enemies, who were always defeated, sooner or later. The Israelites were always looking forward to better days when God would restore them to former glory. This psalm expresses that hope and expectation.
Psalm 53
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 53[a]
For the director of music. According to mahalath.[b] A maskil[c] of David.
I. THE SAD CONDITION OF THE PERSON WHO REJECTS GOD (1-3)
1 The fool says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
II. GOD’S DEFENSE OF HIS RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE (4-5)
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
you put them to shame, for God despised them.
III. LONGING FOR GOD’S SALVATION (6)
6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Footnotes:
Psalm 53:1 In Hebrew texts 53:1-6 is numbered 53:2-7.
Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a musical term
Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term