King James Version
What Does Psalms 50:1 Mean?
“A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. of: or, for Asaph”
Context
1
A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. of: or, for Asaph
2
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(1) **The mighty God, even the Lord.**—Heb., *El Elohîm, Jehovah, *a combination of the Divine names that has been very variously understood. The Authorised Version follows the rendering of Aquila and Symmachus. But the Masoretic accents are in favour of taking each term as an appellative. Hitzig objects that this is stiff, but it is so on purpose. The poet introduces his vision of judgment in the style of a formal royal proclamation, as the preterite tenses also indicate. But as in this case it is not the earthly monarch, but the Divine, who is “Lord also of the whole earth,” the range of the proclamation is not territorial, “from Dan even unto Beersheba,” as in 2Chronicles 30:5, but is couched in larger terms, “from sunrise to sunset,” an expression constantly used of the operation of Divine power and mercy. (Comp. Psalm 103:12; Psalm 113:3; Isaiah 41:25; Isaiah 45:6.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 50:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 50:1
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge