Psalm 53
- The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
- God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
- Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
- Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
- There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
- Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Psalm 53 echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalm 14, highlighting the folly of those who deny the existence of God and engage in corrupt and sinful behavior. The psalmist laments the pervasive wickedness among humanity, emphasizing that not even one person seeks after God or practices righteousness.
God is depicted as observing humanity from heaven, searching for those who understand and seek Him. However, the psalmist declares that all have turned away and become morally corrupt, indulging in sinful deeds without regard for God.
The psalmist condemns the workers of iniquity who oppress God’s people and fail to acknowledge Him. Despite their apparent power, they are ultimately subject to God’s judgment and will be put to shame.
The psalm concludes with a prayer for the salvation of Israel, expressing hope for God’s intervention to bring deliverance and restoration to His people. The psalmist anticipates the joy and gladness that will accompany the return of God’s favor and the liberation from captivity.
Psalm 53 serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God and living in unrighteousness, while also affirming the hope of salvation and restoration through divine intervention. It calls believers to seek after God and trust in His deliverance in the face of adversity.