Psalms 50:1

¶ 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.

A Psalm {H4210} of Asaph {H623}. The mighty {H410} God {H430}, even the LORD {H3068}, hath spoken {H1696}{H8765)}, and called {H7121}{H8799)} the earth {H776} from the rising {H4217} of the sun {H8121} unto the going down {H3996} thereof.

A psalm of Asaf: The Mighty One, God, ADONAI, is speaking, summoning the world from east to west.

The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from where the sun rises to where it sets.

The Mighty One, God, Jehovah, hath spoken, And called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

Psalm 50:1 KJV initiates a profound prophetic psalm, often described as a divine courtroom drama. This opening verse sets the stage for God's universal address to humanity, emphasizing His supreme authority and imminent declaration.

Context

Authored by Asaph, a chief musician and seer in King David's time, Psalm 50 is distinct from many other psalms in its prophetic and judicial tone. It presents God not merely as a benevolent ruler but as a righteous judge convening a cosmic assembly. The psalm's central theme contrasts true spiritual worship, characterized by obedience and thanksgiving, with mere outward rituals and sacrifices. Verse 1 serves as the solemn summons, gathering all creation to hear God's pronouncement, preparing the audience for a divine reckoning or a call to covenant faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • God's Universal Sovereignty: The declaration that God "called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof" underscores His absolute dominion over all creation and every inhabitant. This global summons highlights that no one is outside His jurisdiction or beyond His reach. For more on God's universal ownership, see Psalm 24:1.
  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The phrase "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken" emphasizes that God is not silent. He actively communicates His will and purpose, demanding attention from all. This act of speaking signifies His power to command and His right to judge.
  • Preparation for Divine Judgment/Pronouncement: This universal call anticipates a significant divine event, whether it be a judgment, a renewal of covenant, or a revelation of His standards for true worship. It implies accountability for all who hear His voice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew original of "The mighty God, even the LORD" is particularly powerful: 'El Elohim Yahweh'. Each term adds layers of meaning:

  • 'El': A general term for God, often conveying strength and might.
  • 'Elohim': The plural form of God, commonly used for the Creator God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and the fullness of His divine attributes.
  • 'Yahweh': The personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Israel, signifying His faithfulness, self-existence, and redemptive relationship with His people.

The combination 'El Elohim Yahweh' thus powerfully asserts God's absolute, majestic, and covenantal authority, setting the stage for a declaration of cosmic significance. The word "spoken" (Hebrew: dibber) denotes a definitive and authoritative utterance, not a mere whisper.

Practical Application

Psalm 50:1 reminds us that God is not a distant deity but an active, sovereign being who speaks and governs the entire universe. For us today, this means:

  • Acknowledging God's Authority: We are called to recognize and submit to His universal rule in every aspect of our lives. His call extends to all, regardless of location or background.
  • Listening to His Word: Since God has spoken and continues to speak through His Scripture, we are responsible to listen, understand, and obey His commands. The importance of hearing God's voice is echoed in John 10:27.
  • Living in Light of Accountability: The idea of God summoning the whole earth implies a coming day of reckoning. This should motivate us to live lives that honor Him, understanding that our actions are not unseen.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 113:3

    From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name [is] to be praised.

  • Joshua 22:22

    The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

  • Matthew 25:32

    And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:

  • Amos 3:8

    The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

  • Jeremiah 32:18

    Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,

  • Jeremiah 32:19

    Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

  • Isaiah 1:2

    ¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

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