Psalm 53
This psalm is much the same as the 14th. It speaks, (1.) Humbling convictions to all men, of their sinfulness of nature and practice, ver. 1-3. (2.) Fearful terrors to them who persecute and oppress the people of God, ver. 4-5. (3.) Abundant comfort, in the salvation of God to his persecuted saints, ver. 5-6.
Learn, my soul, frequently to review thy original and thy contracted filthiness. Admire the patience and mercy of God towards mankind. Trust not in man, for wherein is he to be accounted of! But in the full assurance of faith, wait patiently for God’s salvation.
To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.
1 That there is not a God, the fool
doth in his heart conclude:
They are corrupt, their works are vile,
not one of them doth good.
2 The Lord upon the sons of men
from heav’n did cast his eyes,
To see if any one there was
that sought God, and was wise.
3 They altogether filthy are,
they all are backward gone;
And there is none that doeth good,
no, not so much as one.
4 These workers of iniquity,
do they not know at all,
That they my people eat as bread,
and on God do not call?
5 Ev’n there they were afraid, and stood
with trembling, all dismayed,
Whereas there was no cause at all
why they should be afraid:
For God his bones that thee besieged
hath scattered all abroad;
Thou hast confounded them, for they
despised are of God.
6 Let Isr’el’s help from Zion come:
when back the Lord shall bring
His captives, Jacob shall rejoice,
and Israel shall sing.
