PSALM 52
To the Chief Musician. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem. [A Psalm] of David, when Deog the Edomite came and told Saul,
David has come to the house of Ahimelech.
David, reproving the spitefulness of Deog, prophesies his destruction Psalm 52.1-9
Why boast you of mischief done against the loving-kindness of God [and the godly], O mighty [sinful] man, day after day?
2
Your tongue devises wickedness; it is like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.3
You love evil more than good, and lying rather than to speak righteousness, justice, and right.Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
4
You love all destroying and devouring words, O deceitful tongue.5
God will likewise break you down and destroy you forever; He will lay hold of you and pluck you out of your tent and uproot you from the land of the living.Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
6
The [uncompromisingly] righteous also shall see [it] and be in reverent fear and awe, but about you they will [scoffingly] laugh, saying,7
"See, this is the man who made not God his strength (his stronghold and high tower) but trusted in and confidently relied on the abundance of his riches, seeking refuge and security for himself through his wickedness."8
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in and confidently rely on the loving-kindness and the mercy of God forever and ever.9
I will thank You and confide in You forever, because You have done in [deliver me and kept me safe]. I will wait on, hope in and expect in Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your saints (Your kind and pious one).
PSALM 53
To the Chief Musician; in a mournful strain. A skillful song, or didactic or reflective poem of David.
The general depravity of mankind Psalm 53.1-6
The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." Corrupt and evil are they, and doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.
2
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, who sought (inquire after and desperately required) God.3
Every one of them has gone back [backslidden and fallen away]; they have altogether become filthy and corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one. [Rom 3.10-12]4
Have those who work evil no knowledge (no understanding)? They eat up My people as they eat bread; they do not call upon God.5
There they are, in terror and dread, where there was [and had been] no terror and dread! For God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you; you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.6
Oh, that the salvation and deliverance of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of His people, then will Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.
PSALM 54
To the Chief Musician; with stringed instruments. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of David,
when the Ziphites went and told Saul, David is hiding among us.
David complains of the Ziphims Psalm 54.1-7
Save me, O God, by Your name; judge and vindicate me by Your mighty strength and power.
2
Hear my pleading and my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.3
For strangers and insolent men are rising up against me, and violent men and ruthless ones seek and demand my life; they do not set God before them.Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
4
Behold, God is my helper and ally; the Lord is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.5
He will pay back evil to my enemies; in Your faithfulness [Lord] put an end to them.6
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks and praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good.7
For He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked [in triumph] on my enemies.