Psalms 50:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:1 serves as the majestic overture to a divine courtroom drama, presenting God as the supreme Judge who summons all of creation to hear His authoritative declaration. This verse establishes the universal scope of God's dominion and the imminent nature of His address, setting the stage for a profound examination of true worship and covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate accountability of all humanity before Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 50 stands out within the Psalter as a prophetic oracle, often categorized as a "covenant lawsuit" or *rib* psalm. Unlike many psalms that are prayers or laments, Psalm 50 features God as the primary speaker, directly addressing His people. Verse 1 functions as the solemn summons, gathering the entire earth as witnesses and defendants before the divine tribunal. This grand opening prepares the audience for God's indictment against His people, specifically challenging their superficial worship and moral failings, contrasting outward ritual with inward obedience and thanksgiving, a theme developed throughout [Psalm 50](/psalms/50 "Psalm 50 - God's Judgment on Ritualism"). The subsequent verses detail God's arrival in splendor, His charges, and His ultimate call to repentance and genuine worship, culminating in a clear statement of His expectations for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Authored by Asaph, a prominent Levitical musician and seer during the reigns of David and Solomon (cf. [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4-7 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - Asaph's Role in Worship")), Psalm 50 reflects the prophetic tradition of confronting Israel's spiritual complacency. The imagery of God summoning the earth from "the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof" evokes the ancient Near Eastern concept of a divine king or judge holding court, with the entire world as His domain. The specific setting of a covenant lawsuit (a *rib* pattern) would have been familiar to ancient Israelites, where a suzerain (God) would bring charges against His vassal (Israel) for breaking the covenant, often calling heaven and earth as witnesses. This judicial framework underscores God's absolute authority and His unwavering commitment to justice and covenant fidelity, echoing themes found in prophetic books like [Isaiah 1](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - God's Indictment of Israel") and [Micah 6](/micah/6 "Micah 6 - God's Lawsuit Against Israel").

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Universal Sovereignty and Omnipresence**, declaring His dominion over all creation and His ability to summon every inhabitant. This global summons emphasizes that no one is outside His jurisdiction or beyond His reach, a truth consistently affirmed in scriptures like [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Authority and Revelation**, as "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken." This act of speaking signifies God's active involvement in human affairs, His power to command, and His right to judge, establishing the basis for all revelation and accountability. Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, implying that this universal call anticipates a significant divine event—whether a judgment, a renewal of covenant, or a revelation of His standards for true worship. It implies that all who hear His voice are accountable for their response, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the concept of a final judgment, as seen in passages like [Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10-12 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before God's Judgment Seat").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. This term emphasizes God's inherent strength, power, and might, presenting Him as the omnipotent one.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. This plural form, used with a singular verb, denotes the fullness of God's divine attributes, His majesty, and His supremacy as the Creator and Ruler of all.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. This is the personal, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existence, faithfulness, and His redemptive relationship with His people. The combination of "Mighty God, even the LORD" (ʼEl Elohim Yᵉhôvâh) is a powerful, unique triadic expression in the Psalter, asserting God's absolute, majestic, and covenantal authority as the supreme Sovereign.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. This verb signifies a definitive, authoritative, and intentional utterance, indicating a formal declaration, command, or pronouncement of judgment from a sovereign power.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. In this context, it is a formal summons, a command for the earth and its inhabitants to assemble, emphasizing the universal reach of God's voice and the mandatory nature of the assembly He is convening.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken":** This opening phrase identifies Asaph as the author, a prominent Levitical musician and prophet, lending prophetic authority to the psalm. More significantly, it immediately establishes the supreme authority of the speaker. The use of the compound divine name "ʼEl Elohim Yᵉhôvâh" ("The mighty God, even the LORD") underscores God's omnipotence, majesty, and covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for a declaration of unparalleled importance. The verb "hath spoken" (Hebrew, *dâbar*) indicates a decisive, authoritative utterance, not a casual remark, signaling that what follows is a divine decree or pronouncement demanding attention and response.
* **"and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof":** This clause describes the universal scope of God's summons. "The earth" represents all its inhabitants, while "from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof" is a merism, a figure of speech indicating the entirety of the world, from east to west. This imagery emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His ability to command a global assembly, leaving no one outside His jurisdiction or beyond the reach of His voice. It sets the scene for a cosmic courtroom where all humanity is called to account, highlighting the inescapable nature of His divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 50:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its majestic message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "the earth" is depicted as being "called" and capable of hearing God's summons, treating the entire globe and its inhabitants as a single entity summoned to a divine court. This amplifies the universal scope of God's authority and the pervasive nature of His voice. The phrase "from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof" is a form of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a comprehensive whole (east to west representing the entire world). This effectively communicates the boundless reach of God's call, underscoring His omnipresence and universal dominion. Furthermore, the entire psalm, initiated by this verse, functions as an extended **Metaphor** of a divine courtroom drama or covenant lawsuit (*rib*), where God acts as both the supreme Judge and the prosecuting attorney, summoning witnesses and delivering His verdict. This metaphorical framework provides a dramatic and compelling context for understanding God's relationship with humanity and His expectations for true worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 50:1 lays a foundational theological truth: God is not a distant, silent deity but an active, sovereign, and communicative being who governs the entire universe. His universal summons underscores His absolute authority over all creation and humanity, asserting His right to speak, judge, and demand a response from every individual. This verse establishes the premise for all divine revelation and accountability, reminding us that humanity lives under the watchful eye and authoritative voice of the Creator. It highlights God's omnipresence and omnipotence, demonstrating that no place or person is beyond His reach or outside His divine jurisdiction, setting the stage for the revelation of His standards for true worship and the inevitable reckoning for those who disregard His commands. The very act of God speaking and summoning the earth implies a divine purpose and an impending declaration of His will, demanding a response from all who hear.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth!")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's invisible attributes are clearly seen")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:1 serves as a profound reminder of God's active sovereignty over all creation and humanity. It compels us to acknowledge that we live in a world where God has spoken and continues to speak, and that His voice demands our attention and response. This verse calls us to move beyond a passive understanding of God to an active recognition of His universal authority in every sphere of our lives—personal, communal, and global. Since God has "called the earth," we are invited to consider our place within this cosmic summons. Are we listening to His voice as revealed in Scripture? Are we living in light of His ultimate authority, understanding that our lives are lived before Him, and that a day of reckoning or renewal awaits all? This verse challenges us to align our lives, our worship, and our priorities with the one who has spoken and summoned all, ensuring that our outward expressions of faith are rooted in genuine, heartfelt obedience and gratitude.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's universal summons in Psalms 50:1 impact your understanding of His sovereignty in your daily life?**
* **If God has "spoken" and "called the earth," what is your personal responsibility in listening to and responding to His voice today?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to offer "outward rituals" instead of genuine, heart-felt obedience and thanksgiving to the God who summons all?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific divine names used in Psalms 50:1 ("The mighty God, even the LORD")?**

Answer: The Hebrew original uses the powerful combination of `'El Elohim Yahweh'`. This triadic expression is highly significant. `'El'` (H410) is a general term for God, emphasizing His strength and transcendence. `'Elohim'` (H430) is the plural form of God, highlighting His majesty, supreme power, and role as Creator. `'Yahweh'` (H3068, often translated "the LORD") is God's personal, covenant name, revealing His self-existence, faithfulness, and redemptive relationship with Israel. Together, these names underscore God's absolute, majestic, and covenantal authority, establishing Him as the ultimate Sovereign who is about to make a declaration of cosmic importance. This combination emphasizes both His universal power and His personal relationship, setting the stage for His address to all creation and His covenant people, and highlighting the profound nature of His impending communication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:1, with its declaration of the "mighty God, even the LORD" speaking and summoning the entire earth, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God spoke in various ways in the Old Testament, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God has spoken through His Son") declares that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is the definitive Word of God, the ultimate revelation of the Father's will and character, embodying the divine speech and authority. His earthly ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, was a divine summons to all humanity to repent and believe, echoing the call to the earth. Furthermore, the universal call to judgment initiated in Psalms 50:1 is fully realized in Christ, for [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son") states that the Father "has entrusted all judgment to the Son." Christ is not only the one through whom God speaks but also the one before whom all the earth will ultimately stand in judgment. The "calling of the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof" is also echoed in the Great Commission, where Christ commands His disciples to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"), extending His saving call to every corner of the globe. Thus, Christ embodies the speaking God, the summoning God, and the judging God, fulfilling the majestic declaration of Psalms 50:1 in His person and work, and inviting all to respond to His authoritative voice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.