Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

Ps 52 Wicked people use words to destroy relationships and communities. They foolishly think that they can be heroes by their words (52:1-4), but their fate suddenly overtakes them (52:5-7). In contrast, the godly renew their commitment to the Lord (52:8-9) and find their future secure in him.

52:title This psalm refers to an incident in 1 Sam 21:1-10; 22:9-10. The accuser, Doeg the Edomite, is a paradigm of evil.

52:1-4 Liars foolishly deceive themselves by thinking that they can be heroes by their words. They believe themselves innocent of any charges of evildoing, though they love evil and cause destruction. Those who speak curses, sarcasm, bitterness, arrogant boasting, and deceptions (31:18; 34:13; 59:7, 12; 120:2-3; 140:3, 9) bring about chaos, alienation, and destruction (Jas 3:5). Their sharp words cut like swords and daggers (Pss 55:21; 57:4; 64:3), the fangs of a snake (140:3), or a razor.

Verse 3

52:3 Deceptive speech changes one’s character.

Verse 5

52:5-7 God’s judgment on the wicked will come suddenly and forcibly. The godly rejoice in God’s justice, not in the misfortunes of the wicked.

52:5 God will strike the wicked down like a pagan altar, idol, or unclean vessel (Exod 34:13; Lev 11:35; 2 Kgs 10:27).

Verse 6

52:6 In Hebrew, the verbs here translated see and be amazed sound almost alike.

Verse 8

52:8-9 The psalmist commits himself to a life of trust in the Lord. • An olive tree lives a long time when cared for (1:3; 128:3). The psalmist desires to be close to the Lord, his Savior and the source of his blessing (18:6; 23:6).