Psalm 50: God Is Judge Himself

Psalm 50 was written by David for Asaph—his Levite choir leader.

“Against a magnificent background description of a judgment, which may be applied to the last judgment (vs. 1–6; . . .), the psalm unfolds its message as a rebuke to the worshiper who follows religious ceremony but lacks sincerity of heart and purity of conduct. The body of the psalm has two parts: condemnation of the evils of mere formalism in worship (vs. 7–15), and condemnation of hypocrisy (vs. 16–21).” Verse 1 will be fulfilled at the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24:30). Angels will gather the redeemed (Psalm 50:5), and God Himself will pronounce judgment upon all humankind (vv. 4, 6). Justice will be swift and accurate.

The standard is obedience to God’s commandments and faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:12). Israel will not be judged remiss for following their ceremonies and rites of religion (Psalm 50:7–15). Yet religious formalism is of no value.

“Only lives full of penitence, love, gratitude, obedience, and devotion can be acceptable in the sight of God.” The psalm now turns to man’s hypocrisy (vv. 16–21).

The wicked claim to obey God but are quick to do evil when an opportunity presents itself (v. 18). They slander relatives and tell falsehoods about their brethren (vv. 19, 20).

God remains silent but not because He is unaware of their actions.

He will deal with them at the final judgment (v. 21).

External piety can hide a sinful nature from fellow believers, but God reads the heart, and phony Christians will finally understand their guilt at the judgment.

“We may participate in all the ordinances of the church, be constant attendants at divine service, give freely to help the poor, engage in much missionary activity, and yet be reprobate if we fail to serve God in spirit, or if we cherish sin in our hearts.” “Forever firm Thy justice stands, / As mountains their foundations keep; / Wise are the wonders of Thy hands; / Thy judgments are a mighty deep.”