King James Version
What Does Psalms 50:5 Mean?
“Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
Context
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.
4
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5
Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
7
Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **My saints.**—This verse is of great importance, as containing a formal definition of the word *chasîdîm, *and so a direction as to its interpretation wherever it occurs in the Hebrew hymn book. The “saints” are those in the “covenant,” and that covenant was ratified by *sacrifices. *As often, then, as a sacrifice was offered by an Israelite, it was a witness to the existence of the covenant, and we are not to gather, therefore, from this psalm that outward acts of sacrifice were annulled by the higher spirit taught in it; they were merely subordinated to their proper place, and those who thought more of the rites that bore testimony to the covenant than of the moral *duties *which the covenant enjoined, are those censured in this part of the psalm.
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 50:5 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 50:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge