Psalm 50 Study Notes

Ps 50 title Asaph was one of David’s chief musicians (1Ch 6:39; 15:17,19; 16:5,7; 2Ch 5:12). He was also the ancestor of a group of temple musicians (Ezr 2:40-41). As in the case of Jeduthun (Ps 39), the name might have come to represent his descendants or the musicians who followed him rather than Asaph himself.

50:1 From the rising of the sun to its setting means all the people of the whole earth, from east to west.

50:2 Perfection of beauty is associated with the glorification of Jerusalem as the city of God (48:2; Lm 2:15).

50:3 Fire and storm are both common in theophanies (visible manifestations of God; 18:12-13; 97:3).

50:4 Heaven and earth represent all of creation (69:34; 115:15; 121:2). They were witnesses to the Lord’s covenant with Israel (Dt 4:26; 30:19) and were personified as witnesses in a legal setting where the Lord judged his people for their violations of the covenant (Is 1:2).

50:5-6 Sacrifice could refer to God’s initial covenant with Abram (Gn 15:9-18) or Israel’s acceptance of the Ten Commandments (Ex 24:3-8).

50:7-13 The practice of sacrifice was not Israel’s main problem; it was that they did not serve the Lord with the proper motives (see note at 40:6-8). The reason offered here is that God owned every kind of animal, so he did not need them. The issue in worship is not giving God something he needs but offering oneself fully and completely, which is what he desires (Dt 6:5; 10:16).

50:14-15 In contrast to the sacrifices in vv. 8-13, something much more personal and “from the heart” should be offered. This included calling on the Lord in a time of need followed by a thank offering, which was usually made with vows during the petition (see note at 22:25-26).

50:16 The wicked in this context were those within Israel who only pay lip service to God’s commands.

50:17-20 Verse 17 is a summary accusation followed by a list of violations that prove the accusation. This is a common formula, particularly in prophetic material. The violations include participation in theft (v. 18; Ex 20:15), adultery (Ps 50:18; Ex 20:14), and false accusations against fellow Israelites (Ps 50:19-20; Ex 20:16).

50:21 God’s silence (or delay in executing justice) is sometimes assumed to mean that he will not act. The wicked are especially characterized by this assumption (see notes at 10:3-6,11).

50:22 Tear you apart uses imagery of a wild animal and its prey. This is often used for enemies (see note at 7:1-2), but here God takes on the role of an enemy against those who violate his covenant (see note at 38:1-2).

50:23 Orders his conduct refers to obedience, which is preferable to sacrifice (1Sm 15:22; see note at Ps 40:6-8).