Psalms52

Psalm 52, attributed to David concerning Doeg the Edomite, condemns the wicked man who boasts in mischief and deceit. David contrasts this treachery with the enduring goodness of God, prophesying divine judgment upon the deceitful. He then expresses his own unwavering trust in God's mercy, likening himself to a flourishing olive tree, and resolves to praise God's name among the saints.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

The Wicked Boaster Condemned

1
To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. ​
2
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. ​
3
Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
4
Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

Certainty of God's Judgment

5
God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. ​
6
The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: ​
7
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. ​

The Security of the Righteous

8
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. ​
9
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 52

Verse 1

The superscription grounds the psalm in the historical event described in 1 Samuel 22:9-19, where Doeg the Edomite betrayed David and massacred the priests of Nob at Saul's command. David contrasts Doeg's boastful mischief with the enduring, constant goodness ('hesed' or steadfast love) of God. The term 'Maschil' suggests this is a didactic or instructional psalm.

Verse 2

The comparison of the tongue to a 'sharp razor' highlights the swift, deep, and often irreparable damage caused by malicious, deceitful words, such as betrayal and slander. This emphasizes that Doeg’s weapon was his lying speech, more effective than a literal sword.

Verse 5

This verse presents a powerful sequence of judgment verbs (destroy, take away, pluck out, root out), emphasizing the total and irreversible removal of the wicked man from the community and the land of the living. This destruction is eternal, contrasting sharply with the 'continual' goodness of God mentioned in verse 1.

Verse 6

The righteous reaction includes both 'fear' (awe and recognition of God’s just power shown in judgment) and 'laughter' (derision toward the wicked man's ultimate folly and misplaced trust). This confirms that God’s justice serves as a lesson for the faithful.

Verse 7

This verse articulates the theological core of the wicked man's failure: he rejected reliance on God and instead trusted solely in material wealth and self-generated power or wickedness. This serves as a warning against the idolatry of riches.

Verse 8

David contrasts his enduring state with the wicked's destruction, using the metaphor of a 'green olive tree.' This image signifies vitality, permanence, and security, specifically because the tree is rooted metaphorically 'in the house of God' (the sanctuary or divine presence). His trust is permanently placed in God’s mercy (hesed).

Verse 9

The psalmist vows continuous praise because God has accomplished the deliverance and judgment ('thou hast done it'). Waiting on God’s 'name'—his revealed character and reputation—is described as 'good before thy saints,' emphasizing corporate spiritual accountability.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options