Psalms 52

Psalms 52:1-9

the Boaster and the Truster Psalms 52:1-9 The inscription of this psalm describes its origin. The contrast which it presents is full of instruction. The ungodly is often a mighty man in the estimation of the world. He boasts mischief; his tongue resembles the razor, which inflicts sharp and deep wounds; his words devour reputations, family-peace, and souls. What a contrast is presented by the humble believer who trusts, not in wealth which vanishes, but in God’ s mercy which abides forever! Psalms 52:1-8. As the olives grew around the humble forest sanctuary at Nob, where the tragedy which called forth this psalm took place, and were hallowed by the shrine they encompassed, so the believer grows and is safe in loving fellowship with his Almighty Friend. Let us be among God’ s evergreens, drawing our nutriment from Him, as the roots struck into the rich mold. The psalmist is so certain of vindication and so assured of the overthrow of wickedness that he celebrates God’ s interposition before it takes place, and accounts it as being already accomplished.

The doom of the evil doer The superscription fixes the occasion on which this Psalm was composed (1 Samuel 22:1-23). It was at first suggested by Doeg’s treachery. It also had reference to Saul himself, to whom alone many of the allusions of the Psalm are applicable. Later this Psalm of David’s wanderings was given to the chief musician for public use, because of its eternal truth.

Psalms 52:1-4. The traitor’s sin. How safe are those who are entrenched in the favor of God! All else may pass, but that remains indestructibly the same. What terrible power there is in the tongue! (James 3:4-11). A sharp razor, working deceitfully, can injure the hand that holds it.

Psalms 52:5-7. The traitor’s fate. “Shall take thee away, and pluck thee,” etc.; literally, “shall seize thee, and hurl thee away homeless (tentless, comp. Jeremiah 10:20). The outstanding idea is rejection of the impenitent by the Holy One. This is the inevitable doom of sin. Wickedness meets its reward even here.

Psalms 52:8. Contrast to the traitor’s end.It is thought by some that Nob, where the tragedy took place, was situated on the Mount of Olives. If so, this allusion would be very appropriate. “As the olives grew all around the humble forest sanctuary and were in some sort hallowed by the shrine which they encompassed, so the soul grows and is safe in loving fellowship with God.” What a contrast between trusting in the abundance of riches and in the mercy of God! The former take to themselves wings; the latter is forever (Psalms 52:1). Oh to have roots stuck deep down into God.

Psalms 52:9.The Psalmist’s soul sings itself clear, and he determines to entrust his cause to God, and patiently await his vindication.