Bible Commentaries
Psalms 52

Verses 1-9

The title of this psalm is not disputed. It relates to the treachery of Doeg. See the history, 1 Samuel 21:1-7; 1 Samuel 22:9-23.

Psalms 52:1 . Why boastest thou, oh Doeg, of thy superior loyalty to Saul, at the expense of a thousand innocent lives slaughtered in Nob. He arrayed his perfidy in the garb of virtuous patriotism. Oh mighty man, captain of Saul’s shepherds, a captain in the army of Saul. If Doeg had thought it his duty to tell Saul of David’s calling at Nob, and no man with him, why had he not done it sooner? Why did he do it at so ill a time, and not tell the story as it was? Why did he now on the spot slay eighty five priests, when an officer of higher rank durst not do it?

Psalms 52:5 . God shall likewise destroy thee for ever. This curse must be regarded as a just sentence of heaven, that this wicked man should lose his rank, his riches, his lands, and his house be desecrated for ever.

Psalms 52:8 . I am like a green olive tree, a fruit-tree bearing olives, and verdant all the year, while the roots of Doeg wither, and are not found. For reflections on this sad case, see 1 Samuel 21. 22. They teach the righteous to fear God’s justice, and expect the punishment of the wicked. The fall of the priests was soon followed by the fall of Doeg and his house.