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Commentary on Psalms 14 verses 4–7
In these verses the psalmist endeavours,
I. To convince sinners of the evil and danger of the way they are in, how secure soever they are in that way. Three things he shows them, which, it may be, they are not very willing to see - their wickedness, their folly, and their danger, while they are apt to believe themselves very wise, and good, and safe. See here,
1.Their wickedness. This is described in four instances: - (1.) They are themselves workers of iniquity; they design it, they practise it, and take as much pleasure in it as ever any man did in his business. (2.) They eat up God's people with as much greediness as they eat bread, such an innate and inveterate enmity they have to them, and so heartily do they desire their ruin, because they really hate God, whose people they are. It is meat and drink to persecutors to be doing mischief; it is as agreeable to them as their necessary food. They eat up God's people easily, daily, securely, without either check of conscience when they do it or remorse of conscience when they have done it; as Joseph's brethren cast him into a pit and then sat down to eat bread, Gen 37:24, Gen 37:25. See Mic 3:2, Mic 3:3. (3.) They call not upon the Lord. Note, Those that care not for God's people, for God's poor, care not for God himself, but live in contempt of him. The reason why people run into all manner of wickedness, even the worst, is because they do not call upon God for his grace. What good can be expected from those that live without prayer? (4.) They shame the counsel of the poor, and upbraid them with making God their refuge, as David's enemies upbraided him, Psa 11:1. Note, Those are very wicked indeed, and have a great deal to answer for, who not only shake off religion, and live without it themselves, but say and do what they can to put others out of conceit with it that are well-inclined-with the duties of it, as if they were mean, melancholy, and unprofitable, and with the privileges of it, as if they were insufficient to make a man safe and happy. Those that banter religion and religious people will find, to their cost, it is ill jesting with edged-tools and dangerous persecuting those that make God their refuge. Be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong. He shows them,
2.Their folly: They have no knowledge; this is obvious, for if they had any knowledge of God, if they did rightly understand themselves, and would but consider things as men, they would not be so abusive and barbarous as they are to the people of God.
3.Their danger (Psa 14:5): There were they in great fear. There, where they ate up God's people, their own consciences condemned what they did, and filled them with secret terrors; they sweetly sucked the blood of the saints, but in their bowels it is turned, and become the gall of asps. Many instances there have been of proud and cruel persecutors who have been made like Pashur, Magormissabibs - terrors to themselves and all about them. Those that will not fear God perhaps may be made to fear at the shaking of a leaf.
II. He endeavours to comfort the people of God, 1. With what they have. They have God's presence (Psa 14:5): He is in the generation of the righteous. They have his protection (Psa 14:6): The Lord is their refuge. This is as much their security as it is the terror of their enemies, who may jeer them for their confidence in God, but cannot jeer them out of it. In the judgment-day it will add to the terror and confusion of sinners to see God own the generation of the righteous, which they have hated and bantered. 2. With what they hope for; and that is the salvation of Israel, Psa 14:7. When David was driven out by Absalom and his rebellious accomplices, he comforted himself with an assurance that god would in due time turn again his captivity, to the joy of all his good subjects. But surely this pleasing prospect looks further. He had, in the beginning of the psalm, lamented the general corruption of mankind; and, in the melancholy view of that, wishes for the salvation which should be wrought out by the Redeemer, who was expected co come to Zion, to turn away ungodliness from Jacob, Rom 11:26. The world is bad; O that the Messiah would come and change its character! There is a universal corruption; O for the times of reformation! Those will be as joyful times as these are melancholy ones. Then shall God turn again the captivity of his people; for the Redeemer shall ascend on high, and lead captivity captive, and Jacob shall then rejoice. The triumphs of Zion's King will be the joys of Zion's children. The second coming of Christ, finally to extinguish the dominion of sin and Satan, will be the completing of this salvation, which is the hope, and will be the joy, of every Israelite indeed. With the assurance of that we should, in singing this, comfort ourselves and one another, with reference to the present sins of sinners and sufferings of saints.
"Who will give salvation to Israel out of Sion?" [Psalm 14:7]. Who but He whose humiliation you have despised? Is understood. For He will come in glory to the judgment of the quick and the dead, and the kingdom of the just: that, forasmuch as in that humble coming "blindness has happened in part unto Israel, that the fullness of the Gentiles might enter in," [Romans 11:25] in that other should happen what follows, "and so all Israel should be saved." For the Apostle too takes that testimony of Isaiah, where it is said, "There shall come out of Sion He who shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:" [Isaiah 59:20] for the Jews, as it is here, "Who shall give salvation to Israel out of Sion?" "When the Lord shall turn away the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad." It is a repetition, as is usual: for I suppose, "Israel shall be glad," is the same as, "Jacob shall rejoice."
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SUMMARY
Psalms 14:7 culminates a psalm of lament over pervasive human depravity with a fervent prayer and hopeful declaration. It articulates a profound longing for God's direct, comprehensive salvation for His people, anticipating a future marked by profound joy and restoration from all forms of spiritual, societal, and physical bondage. This verse serves as a beacon of divine hope, sharply contrasting the bleak reality of universal sinfulness and oppression with the glorious prospect of God's redemptive intervention originating from Zion.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse provides a climactic plea and hopeful resolution to the preceding verses of Psalms 14. The psalm opens with the stark and universal declaration that "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalms 14:1), immediately establishing a tone of widespread moral decay and spiritual rebellion. The psalmist vividly describes humanity as corrupt, engaged in abominable works, with "none that doeth good, no, not one" (Psalms 14:3). This pervasive wickedness extends to those who "eat up my people as they eat bread" (Psalms 14:4), highlighting severe societal oppression and injustice. Amidst this bleak assessment of human sin and its devastating consequences, the psalmist expresses a deep yearning for God's sovereign intervention, making the prayer for salvation in verse 7 a desperate yet unwavering cry for deliverance from this spiritual and physical darkness.
Historical & Cultural Context: While the specific historical backdrop for Psalms 14 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate with various periods of Israelite history characterized by moral decline, foreign oppression, or internal strife. The concept of "captivity" (שְׁבוּת, shᵉbûwth) could certainly refer to the literal Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 29:14), but it also encompasses any state of distress, bondage, or spiritual wandering that God's people might experience. The fervent longing for salvation "out of Zion" reflects the profound theological and geographical centrality of Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, as God's chosen dwelling place and the source of divine help and governance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the capital city and its temple were often perceived as the spiritual and political heart from which a nation's strength and blessing flowed. For Israel, Zion was uniquely associated with God's covenant presence, His holy throne, and His redemptive acts, making it the natural focal point for a prayer for national deliverance and restoration.
Key Themes: Psalms 14:7 encapsulates several enduring biblical themes that are central to the Old Testament narrative and beyond. The most prominent is Divine Deliverance and Salvation, emphasizing God's unique and sovereign power to rescue and redeem His people from their distress, whether from literal enemies, societal corruption, or spiritual bondage. This is not merely political liberation but a comprehensive act of restoration and holistic well-being. Closely related is the theme of Restoration from Captivity, which speaks to God's ability to reverse adverse circumstances and bring His people back to a state of freedom and prosperity, as powerfully illustrated in the joyful return depicted in Psalms 126. Furthermore, the explicit mention of Zion as the Source of Salvation underscores the profound theological significance of God's dwelling place, from which His saving power, righteous judgment, and redemptive presence emanate, a concept echoed in prophetic visions like Isaiah 2:3. Finally, the anticipated outcome of Joy and Gladness for Jacob and Israel highlights the transformative power of God's salvation, turning sorrow and lament into profound rejoicing and delight.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its message. The entire verse functions as a Lament transformed into an Anticipation of divine intervention, moving from the sorrowful depiction of human depravity in the preceding verses to a hopeful yearning for God's saving act. The phrase "Oh that..." is a poignant form of Exclamation or Interjection, powerfully conveying the psalmist's intense longing and deep spiritual yearning for God's immediate action. The use of "Jacob" and "Israel" in the final clause is a clear example of Synonymous Parallelism, where two different but related terms are used to refer to the same entity (God's people) and express a similar idea (joy and gladness), thereby intensifying the anticipated outcome and emphasizing the collective nature of the blessing. Furthermore, the concept of "salvation coming out of Zion" is a form of Metonymy, where Zion (the geographical and theological place) represents God's presence, power, and covenant faithfulness (the ultimate source of salvation).
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the foundational biblical truth that true and lasting salvation originates solely from God. In a world characterized by profound moral decay, widespread human failure, and oppressive forces, the psalmist's fervent cry for salvation from Zion underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering covenant faithfulness to His people. It points to a comprehensive deliverance that reverses all forms of captivity—physical, spiritual, and societal—culminating in profound joy and restoration. This hope is not based on human merit, effort, or political maneuvering, but entirely on God's inherent character as the Deliverer, who acts decisively from His holy dwelling place. It serves as a timeless reminder that even in the darkest times, our ultimate hope must be fixed on God's promised intervention and His ultimate plan for the redemption and flourishing of His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 14:7 offers a timeless model for prayer and a profound source of hope for believers navigating a world that often mirrors the spiritual and moral depravity described in the psalm. In times of widespread societal injustice, moral decline, or personal struggles that feel like a form of spiritual or emotional captivity, this verse calls us to direct our gaze and our fervent prayers towards God. It serves as a powerful reminder that genuine salvation and lasting restoration do not originate from human systems, political solutions, or self-effort, but from the divine hand of God, who is sovereign over all circumstances. Our longing should echo the psalmist's: a deep, passionate yearning for God's active intervention to bring about His kingdom, His righteousness, and His restorative justice. This verse encourages us to trust implicitly in God's faithfulness to reverse our fortunes, transform our sorrow into joy, and ultimately deliver us from every form of bondage, assuring us that His ultimate plan is one of comprehensive restoration and profound gladness for His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "bringeth back the captivity of his people" mean in this context?
Answer: While this phrase can certainly refer to literal exile, such as the Babylonian captivity, its deeper and broader meaning, especially in poetic books like Psalms, is "to restore the fortunes of" or "to reverse the ill circumstances of." It signifies a comprehensive act of divine intervention that brings about a radical change from a state of distress, bondage, or oppression to one of freedom, prosperity, and well-being. This idiomatic expression encompasses spiritual, emotional, and physical restoration, highlighting God's power to turn any negative situation into one of joy and blessing for His people, as powerfully illustrated in the restoration of Job's fortunes in Job 42:10.
Why is "Zion" mentioned as the source of salvation?
Answer: Zion, referring to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, is far more than merely a geographical location; it is a profound theological symbol. It represents God's chosen dwelling place, the location of His Temple, and the very seat of His divine presence, authority, and covenant faithfulness. Therefore, salvation coming "out of Zion" signifies that deliverance originates directly and exclusively from God Himself, from the very heart of His holy presence and power. It emphasizes that true help, redemption, and restoration are divine in origin, emanating from God's sovereign rule over all creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a truth profoundly echoed in prophecies like Isaiah 2:3.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 14:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's fervent yearning for "the salvation of Israel" to come "out of Zion" is perfectly realized in Christ, who was born into Israel, ministered throughout its land, and ultimately offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice in Jerusalem (Zion). He is the true and final "salvation of Israel," not merely bringing a temporary political deliverance but inaugurating eternal redemption from the ultimate captivity of sin and death. As the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus Christ established the new covenant, making possible the "bringing back of the captivity" for all who believe, liberating them from spiritual bondage, the dominion of darkness, and alienation from God (Colossians 1:13-14). His resurrection from the dead, which occurred near Zion, guarantees the future restoration of all things and the ultimate, unending joy of God's redeemed people. Through Him, "Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad," as believers from every nation are spiritually grafted into the true Israel, experiencing the profound joy of reconciliation with God and the promise of a glorious future where God dwells among His people, wiping away every tear (Revelation 21:3-4). The comprehensive salvation longed for in the Old Testament is fully revealed and eternally secured in the person of Jesus Christ, the true King who reigns from the heavenly Zion (Hebrews 12:22-24).