July 11, 2024
The Good Judge
Psalm 50
Virginia Prodan
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 50:6
The heavens declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge! Selah
Psalm 50
God Himself Is Judge
A Psalm of Asaph.
1
The Mighty One, God the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.
3
Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
1
50:3
Or May our God come, and not keep silence
before him is a devouring fire,
around him a mighty tempest.
4
He calls to the heavens above
and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5
“Gather to me my faithful ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6
The heavens declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge! Selah
7
“Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
8
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9
I will not accept a bull from your house
or goats from your folds.
10
For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11
I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
12
If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.
13
Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?
14
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
2
50:14
Or Make thanksgiving your sacrifice to God
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
16
But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
17
For you hate discipline,
and you cast my words behind you.
18
If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
and you keep company with adulterers.
19
You give your mouth free rein for evil,
and your tongue frames deceit.
20
You sit and speak against your brother;
you slander your own mother's son.
21
These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I
3
50:21
Or that the I am
was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
22
Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 50:1–6 The LORD, the God of Israel, is the Mighty One, who made and rules heaven and earth. So when he speaks and summons the earth, he has the right to expect all mankind to pay attention. He especially expects it from Israel, his faithful ones, who made a covenant with him by sacrifice (v. 5; see Ex. 24:8).
Ps. 50:7–15 God’s people must realize that he does not depend upon sacrifices in any way (v. 8) since he owns the entire world (vv. 10–13). God wants his people to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and to perform vows (v. 14), both of which are kinds of peace offerings (Lev. 7:11–12, 16). Membership in God’s people is about being welcome in his presence (Ps. 50:14), depending on him (v. 15), and dealing justly with others (vv. 19–20, 23).
Ps. 50:16–22 The wicked here are members of the covenant people who despise the privileges and responsibilities of the covenant (vv. 16–17). The covenant should have connected them with all of God’s people to tell the world of God’s greatness, but instead they use their tongues for destructive purposes (vv. 18–20).
Psalm Ps. 50. Through this psalm the worshipers announce God’s standards for living as part of his covenant people. The God who summons the earth (v. 1) plans to judge his own people (v. 4). He particularly warns all who presume that the sacrificial system is a way to satisfy God without having a living relationship with him.
Ps. 50:23 Membership in God’s favored people should mean joyful delight in God’s presence (thanksgiving as his sacrifice), and a just and kind life in fellowship with God’s people (orders his way rightly).
S3:135 Psalm 50
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 50
We know that God is sovereign, the Lord and Savior. He is faithful, full of love, mercy, and justice. Still, when hardship, rejection, hurt, or attacks from the ungodly culture or people surround us, thinking and feeling God's way might seem difficult or uncomfortable. Be careful. Why? Because your thoughts matter. Your thoughts determine your deeds, your deeds determine your actions, and your actions have consequences. Let God renew your mind in Christ. When those thoughts come, ask yourself, "Is the desire to be accepted by others the reason that thinking and feeling God's way seems difficult or uncomfortable?"
Many people expect the culture or people to give them the worth, direction, understanding, or justice they are looking for. As an attorney, I have had many clients ask for their day in court. Some looked for justice, others for revenge. No matter the motive, many of them were surprised or even disappointed by their day in court. Whether you wish to have your day in court, you will one day have your day in God's court. God's judgment starts with His own people—or at least with those who claim to be His.
In His love and mercy, God wants to prepare you for that day. He sent His Son Jesus Christ, who died for your sins, to reconcile you with God so you might know Him as your Father, Lord, and Savior before your day in His court. Reminder: God sees you, hears you, knows you, understands you, and loves you. We are all noticed by the One who created us. Turn to God and let His love guide your thinking, feelings, responses, and interactions or deeds. He is the God of justice (Psalm 50:6).
God reveals His wisdom, direction, justice, and worth to all who humbly trust Him. God's intimate friendship blesses us. Start today with one bold step outside of your familiar territory. The choice is yours. Experience growth and boundless possibilities with God by thinking and feeling His way.
This month's memory verse
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
– Romans 15:13
Discussion Questions
1. Whom do you tend to listen to first: the culture or your Lord? Why?
2. When you are rejected, hurt, or in trouble, where do you look for your worth, wisdom, direction, or justice?
3. Do you behave like a child of God or a wounded, forgotten orphan? In what area of your life do you need God's help today?
4. Are you reading His Word daily to empower you? Which of God's promises do you need to remember?
5. In what area of your life are you going through the motions, claiming to be a follower of Christ, but refusing to obey Him?
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