Psalm 50

 


Psalm 50 is the first of the psalms of Asaph.  Asaph and his sons were worship leaders at the time of David (1 Chronicles 25:1).  The beginning of the psalm sets the stage for God's judgment of His people.  They have offered sacrifices that are not acceptable.  There are even some among the people of God who have lived in wicked disobedience.  In the closing, what God really desires are sacrifices of thanksgiving and righteous living.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-6
    • There are seven different names of God used throughout the Psalm, three of them in verse 1 (Mighty One, God, LORD).  The others are Judge (v. 6),  Most High (v. 14), I AM (v. 21), and Eloah which is a rare reference to God (v. 22).  When God is about to judge His people, what is the significance of referencing so many different names of God?
    • When Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, they renewed their covenant with the LORD with "heaven and earth" as witness (Deut. 30:19-20).  In vv. 1-6, God now calls the witnesses back as He judges.  What does the setting of this "court room" scene teach us about the judgment of God?
  • Verses 7-15
    • Israel has offered sacrifices through ritual, but not in a manner that was acceptable to the LORD.  Is there anything that I offer to God in my life (e.g., time, talent, or resources) that might not be acceptable to Him because of the way I am offering it?   
  • Verses 16-21
    • In these verses, God judges those who live among his people but are wicked and disobedient. What does this show me about living hypocritically?
  • Verses 22-23
    • God does not need sacrifices, so what does he desire from me?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:

  • "Psalm 50" by Koine:  Link

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