Comment on a Psalm

Psalm 50

What a striking Psalm! God summons the world. He wants all the earth to appear in His courtroom where He sits as Judge. But the focus of His judging is Israel, His covenant people, the Church of the day. It is these whom He rebukes.

He rebukes those who merely go through the motions of worship. They are faithful to show up and do all the right things. But it's all for show. However, God is not fooled. He sees their hypocrisy.

Then, there are the wicked. These are not the wicked of the nations but the wicked of Israel. They talk up the covenant but actually reject it. They hate God's training, ignore His commands and applaud others who also disregard God's Law. They have thought that God didn't care, but now He speaks and calls them to account.

It is fitting that the Psalm ends with a threat. Imagine what it might mean to be torn apart by God. There is, however, an offer of grace to those who turn from their sins and changes his life to obey.