Selah. Connecting the "call" to "hear" what true worship is (verses: Psalms 50:7-15 ), and to "consider" what true service is (verses: Psalms 50:16-22 ) when these things come into judgment (Psalms 50:6 ). Both are summed up in Psalms 50:23 . ( App-66 .) read more
Psalms 50:4-6. He shall call to the heavens— Mr. Mudge reads the 5th verse in a parenthesis, and renders the 4th verse thus; He calleth to the heavens above, and to the earth, in order for the trial of his people. read more
6. The inhabitants of heaven, who well know God's character, attest His righteousness as a judge. read more
1. The heavenly Judge 50:1-6 read more
Psalms 50This psalm pictures God seated in His heavenly throne room. He has two indictments against His people Israel. The wicked among them were hypocritical in their worship, a violation of the first part of the Decalogue, and in their interpersonal relationships, a violation of the second part. They needed to return to Him wholeheartedly. This is a didactic psalm written to teach God’s people an important lesson."This psalm is the speech of God, who addresses his covenant partner concerning... read more
Asaph described God summoning those living in heaven, the angels, and on earth, mortals, to serve as witnesses in the trial. Israel is the defendant. The covenant in view is the Mosaic Covenant, under which the nation had obligations to God. The writer called on the angels to declare the Judge righteous, a way of affirming that He is just. read more
The title (A PsALM of Asaph) is discussed in Intro, to Book 3, where the other Pss. of Asaph are found. The present Ps. is one of solemn warning to those who attempt to serve God by formal sacrifices while their lives are full of wickedness. God will come to judge His people (Psalms 50:1-6). He tells the formalists that He does not need animal sacrifices (Psalms 50:7-13), and asks for praise, obedience, and prayer (Psalms 50:14-15). He reproves the hypocrites for their sins (Psalms 50:16-20)... read more
(6) The heavens.—Here is an exceedingly fine touch. In obedience to the Divine summons the heavens are heard acknowledging the right of God to arraign the nations before Him in virtue of His moral sway. Render the verb in the present: And the heavens declare. The verse is adapted to Psalms 97:6.In the language of modern thought, order and law in the physical world are an evidence of an ordered moral government, and the obedience of the unconscious stars to that sway which, as Wordsworth says,... read more
The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving Psalms 50:23 I. 'What is it to glorify God?' 'When and how do we glorify God?' This question is constantly rising before us, for we know this is our business as disciples of Jesus Christ. 'Whoso offereth praise, whoso offereth thanksgiving, glorifies God.' That is the Divine answer. Then we ask, What is the sacrifice of praise? Praise has a thousand voices. The songful lip expresses itself in myriad ways; but the essence of every sacrifice is the adoring,... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 50:1-23
Psalms 50:0 True worshipIn a scene that displays his awesome majesty, God commands the whole world to stand before his judgment throne (1-3). He is the righteous judge of all the peoples of the world, and his first call to judgment concerns his own people, Israel (4-6).God’s complaint against the Israelites is not that they have failed to offer sacrifices and offerings. Indeed, they have offered them continually (7-8). But God will not accept their offerings. Instead of offering their... read more