Bible Commentaries
Psalms 53

Verses 1-6

Psalms 53

The Fool Or No-God Psalm

This psalm is nearly identical with Psalms 14, much of which is quoted by Paul, Romans 3:9-12. In it the defeat of God’s adversaries and the ultimate triumph of the righteous are set forth anew.

Scripture v. 1-6:

Verse 1 relates that the "fool," foolish one, has said in his heart, "there is or exists no God." But his assertion does not put God out of existence, blow out the sun, moon, or stars, stop the wind from blowing, the clouds from drifting, the sea from foaming, or life and death from continuing, "By whom all things consist," or hold together, Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3. He adds "corrupt are they, "who declare there is no God. They have done abominable iniquity. Then David adds, "there is none that (repeatedly) does good," for no one is good by nature. You see, all have sinned, Psalms 10:4; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 92:6; Matthew 5:2; Luke 12:20; Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23.

Verse 2 states that God "looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek after God." He searches to bring reckless men to understanding, Psalms 33:13. He longs for men to seek Him, 2 Chronicles 15:2; 2 Chronicles 19:3; Isaiah 55:6-7.

Verse 3 observes that "all of them is gone back;" Their going back is caused by their "being back;" sinners by nature become greater sinners, and responsible sinners, by voluntary choice of sin, Isaiah 53:6; It is added that "they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doeth good, no, not one," 1 Kings 8:46; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalms 58:3; Romans 3:9-12.

Verse 4 Inquires "have the (continual) workers of iniquity no knowledge or understanding?" v. 2. They do not do they? "who eat up my people as they eat bread. They have not called upon God." Why? Because they have denied His existence, evidently to cover their own sins, try to get away from a guilty conscience, John 16:8-9.

Verse 5 further states that there were those in great fear, where no fear or basis of fear existed, to upset their imagined security, as Belshazzar, Daniel ch. 5; Job 15:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:3. For god, in His covenant with the redeemed, has scattered the bones of those who encamp against them, or besiege them. He has put to shame the enemies of His children. For He despises fools, those who first despise Him, His holiness, His laws, His people, and His church, Leviticus 26:17; Psalms 14:5; Proverbs 28:1.

Verse 6 laments "Oh that salvation of Israel were come out of Zion!" Already come! David longed for it. Then he prophetically added, "when God bringeth back the captivity of his (scattered) people," Luke 21:24. "Jacob shall rejoice and Israel shall be glad," and all the redeemed shall "say so!" Psalms 107:2; and "rejoice in the Lord alway and evermore," Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Psalms 14:7; Isaiah 59:20.