Bible Commentaries
Psalms 53

Verses 1-6

This is a second version of Psalms 14 with the important difference that God (Elohim) is everywhere substituted for the Lord (Jehovah). There are a few other variations and additions, especially in Psalms 53:5 (= Psalms 14:5-6). The changes are interesting chiefly as an illustration of the process of editing which was applied to many Pss. and many portions of the OT., and in particular of the consistent preferences, on the part of separate writers, for one divine name rather than another.

Title.—Mahalath] variously interpreted: (1) as a corruption of Alamoth (see Psalms 46), (2) as the first word of the song to the tune of which the Ps. was set, and (3) as an instrument such as the flute or cithern. For Maschil see on Psalms 32.

5. God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee] This is the most important addition in the Ps., and seems to point to some definite historical occasion for which Psalms 14 was adapted by the editor.