Psalm 14

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:1-3

1. David’s appraisal of humanity 14:1-3 read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:1-7

Psalms 14This reflective psalm and Psalms 53 are almost identical. The commentators take differing views concerning the genre since elements of individual lament, wisdom, prophetic, communal lament, and philosophical psalms are all present in this one. Merrill called it a psalm of exhortation. [Note: Merrill, "Psalms," p. 414.] The failures of human beings that he experienced, and the knowledge that God will judge folly and corruption, led David to long for the establishment of God’s kingdom on... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:2

God does indeed look down on all people to assess our condition (cf. Genesis 6:5; Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21). The arrogant materialist of Psalms 14:1 is only one example of humanity in general. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:3

All human beings have turned aside from the wise way of fearing the Lord (cf. Genesis 6:5-6; Genesis 11:1-9). The result is that they have become corrupt (Heb. alah, lit. sour, like milk) morally. Not one solitary individual does good in the sight of God on his own initiative and in his own strength (cf. Romans 3:23). It is for this reason that no one can be acceptable to God on the merit of his own works. All need the goodness (righteousness) that only God can provide for us. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:4

David marveled at the ignorance of the wicked who disregard God and consequently have no regard for His people. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:4-6

2. God’s punishment of the wicked 14:4-6 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:5

The wicked are in a dangerous position because God is in the midst of His people. When evildoers persecute the godly, they bring God’s punishment on themselves. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:6

They may seek to frustrate the plans of those they afflict, but God will vindicate His own because they trust in Him. The figure of God as the refuge of His people occurs also in Psalms 46:1; Psalms 61:3; Psalms 62:7-8; Psalms 71:7; Psalms 73:28; and Psalms 91:2; Psalms 91:9. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:7

3. David’s longing for God’s kingdom 14:7In the context, the enemy of God’s people is all the ungodly of the world from the beginning of history. David longed for God to save His people from these wicked antagonists. Zion was the place where the ark of the covenant and the Lord resided. David spoke of God Himself delivering His people from all their godless enemies. When David wrote, the godly were captive to the wicked in the sense that the wicked were devouring them (Psalms 14:4).... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 14:1-7

This Ps., like Psalms 12, gives a picture of a corrupt state of society in which God is ignored, and His people are oppressed. David’s authorship is not absolutely disproved by Psalms 14:7, which some have regarded as a later addition, and where, in any case, ’bring back the captivity’ may only mean ’restore the fortunes.’ Though God is denied (Psalms 14:1), He really sees (Psalms 14:2), speaks (Psalms 14:3), and acts (Psalms 14:4). The Ps. reappears with some variations as Psalms 53. Psalms... read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:1-3

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:1-7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:2

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:3

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:4-6

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:6

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 14:7

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 14:1-7

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