Psalms 50:17

KJV

Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing thou hatest {H8130}{H8804)} instruction {H4148}, and castest {H7993}{H8686)} my words {H1697} behind {H310} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

when you so hate to receive instruction and fling my words behind you?

Berean Standard Bible

For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.

American Standard Version

Seeing that thou hatest instruction, And castest my words behind thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:17 delivers a profound divine indictment against those within the covenant community who, despite outward religious observance, harbor a deep-seated contempt for God's moral instruction and deliberately disregard His revealed words. This verse, situated within a powerful courtroom drama where God judges His people, exposes the profound hypocrisy of ritualistic piety devoid of genuine heart transformation and obedience, emphasizing that true worship is characterized by a willing submission to divine discipline and a faithful adherence to God's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 50 is a majestic prophetic psalm, often attributed to Asaph, which portrays God as a supreme judge summoning heaven and earth to witness His judgment of Israel. The psalm begins by establishing God's sovereignty and His disinterest in mere animal sacrifices for His own sustenance, clarifying that He already owns all creation, as seen in the declaration, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills" ([Psalms 50:9-12](/psalms/50-9 "Psalms 50:9-12 - God's Ownership of All Things")). Instead, God calls for genuine worship characterized by thanksgiving, fulfilled vows, and reliance upon Him in times of trouble, urging, "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" ([Psalms 50:14-15](/psalms/50-14 "Psalms 50:14-15 - The Call for True Worship")). Verse 17 then pivots sharply to address the "wicked" within the covenant, those who meticulously perform religious rituals but simultaneously live in open defiance of God's moral law. This divine accusation highlights a critical disconnect between outward religious observance and inward spiritual rebellion, setting the stage for further charges of theft, adultery, and slander in subsequent verses, where God meticulously details their transgressions ([Psalms 50:18-20](/psalms/50-18 "Psalms 50:18-20 - Accusations Against the Wicked")). The verse serves as a crucial hinge, moving from God's general principles of true worship to His specific charges against those who violate them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period when temple worship and sacrificial systems were central to Israelite religious life, Psalm 50 reflects a perennial tension within the covenant community: the temptation to reduce faith to mere ritualism without genuine heart obedience. The "instruction" (Hebrew: _musar_) refers broadly to God's revealed law, wisdom, and discipline, foundational to the covenant relationship established at Sinai, particularly the detailed statutes given in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and throughout the Pentateuch. In ancient Israel, instruction was often imparted by parents, wise men, and prophets, shaping moral character and societal norms. The cultural expectation was that God's people would cherish and internalize His words, as seen in the call to teach them diligently to children, to "talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" ([Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching God's Words")). Therefore, to "hate instruction" and "cast God's words behind thee" was not merely a personal failing but a profound act of rebellion against the very foundation of their national and spiritual identity, inviting severe divine judgment. This rejection signified a deep-seated contempt for the very covenant that defined them.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Rejection of Divine Instruction**, highlighting that God's people, or at least a significant segment, actively despise and discard His guidance. This is not passive ignorance but an intentional aversion to the discipline and wisdom God offers, which is meant to shape behavior and character, as articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"), which states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Secondly, it exposes **Hypocrisy in Worship**, revealing the futility of religious acts when the heart is far from God. It emphasizes that external performance without internal transformation is an abomination to the Lord, a sentiment echoed in [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Rejection of Empty Rituals"), where God declares, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?" Thirdly, the verse implicitly stresses the **Value of God's Word**, by condemning its rejection, God underscores the supreme importance of His law and statutes as the indispensable foundation for a righteous life and a genuine relationship with Him, a truth beautifully captured in [Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalms 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp"), "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Psalm 50 and the prophetic tradition points to the severe **Consequences of Disobedience** awaiting those who persist in such rebellion and refuse to repent, culminating in divine judgment, as warned in [Psalms 50:21-22](/psalms/50-21 "Psalms 50:21-22 - God's Judgment on the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hatest (Hebrew, _sânê'_):** From H8130, this verb signifies a strong, active aversion or hostility, not merely a passive dislike or indifference. When applied to "instruction," it denotes a deep-seated antagonism toward being corrected, disciplined, or guided by God's truth. It implies a deliberate choice to resist and reject God's formative influence on one's life, indicating a profound spiritual rebellion at the heart level.
* **Instruction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** From H4148, _mûwçâr_ is far more than just intellectual knowledge or teaching. It refers to discipline, correction, moral guidance, and training aimed at shaping character and behavior. It encompasses the entire process by which one is taught, corrected, and brought into conformity with God's will. To hate _mûwçâr_ is to resist the very process of spiritual growth and moral refinement that God intends for His people, demonstrating a refusal to be molded by divine wisdom.
* **Castest (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** From H7993, this primitive root means "to throw out, down or away" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it describes a decisive, intentional act of dismissal and rejection. It's not an accidental dropping but a deliberate hurling away, signifying contempt and utter disregard for what is being cast aside. This action underscores the willful nature of the rebellion against God's words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing thou hatest instruction":** This clause reveals the internal, moral disposition of the wicked. Their outward actions (or lack thereof, in terms of true obedience) stem from an inward, fundamental aversion to God's formative guidance. They do not merely fail to follow instruction; they actively despise the very concept of being disciplined or corrected by divine truth. This hatred is a root issue, indicating a heart resistant to God's transforming work, preferring self-will over divine wisdom and correction. It speaks to a deep-seated pride that refuses to be taught or corrected.
* **"and castest my words behind thee":** This second clause describes the outward manifestation of that internal hatred. The "words" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_, H1697), refer to God's commandments, statutes, and revealed will—His entire body of truth, His covenant stipulations. To "cast them behind" oneself (Hebrew: _ʼachar_, H310, behind) is a powerful image of deliberate rejection and utter disregard. It means to treat God's words as utterly insignificant, to turn one's back on them, and to refuse to consider them as a guide for life. This action demonstrates profound contempt for God's authority and a defiant independence from His moral standards, effectively rendering His divine communication null and void in their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 50:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with striking clarity and force. The entire psalm operates within a grand **Courtroom Metaphor**, where God is depicted as the divine judge, summoning all creation as witnesses against His own people. Within this overarching framework, the direct address "thou hatest" is a powerful form of **Direct Accusation**, making the indictment personal, inescapable, and confronting the accused directly with their internal disposition. The phrase "castest my words behind thee" is a vivid **Idiom**, a common Hebrew expression that powerfully communicates deliberate and contemptuous disregard, far more impactful than a simple statement like "you ignore my words." This idiom creates a strong visual of someone turning their back on something deemed worthless. Furthermore, the two clauses of the verse exhibit **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("castest my words behind thee") reinforces and elaborates upon the first ("hatest instruction"). This parallelism deepens the understanding of the rebellion, showing that the internal hatred of instruction directly manifests in the external rejection of God's words, intensifying the sense of deliberate and active defiance against divine truth. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God is described as having "words" that can be cast away, making His divine communication relatable to human experience and underscoring the personal offense taken by God at such rejection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 50:17 profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: God values genuine heart obedience and a teachable spirit far more than outward religious performance. This verse serves as a stark reminder that ritualistic piety, however meticulously observed, becomes an empty shell if the heart is actively hostile to God's moral instruction and willfully disregards His commands. It underscores that the essence of a covenant relationship with God is not merely adherence to external rites, but a deep, internal submission to His will and a desire to be shaped by His wisdom. This divine indictment exposes the dangerous self-deception of those who claim God's name but reject His authority, revealing that true worship flows from a heart that embraces God's discipline and treasures His words as the indispensable foundation for life.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord and Instruction")
* [Matthew 15:8-9](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8-8 - Honoring God with Lips, Not Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:17 stands as a timeless mirror, challenging believers across generations to critically examine the true state of their hearts concerning God's Word. It compels us to move beyond superficial religious practices and to honestly assess our internal disposition towards divine instruction. Do we genuinely welcome God's correction and guidance as found in Scripture, even when it confronts our comfortable habits, challenges our sinful desires, or calls us to uncomfortable truths? Or do we, perhaps subtly, resent being told what to do, preferring to live by our own wisdom or desires, effectively "casting God's words behind us"? This verse reminds us that true spiritual vitality is not measured by church attendance, prayer frequency, or Bible knowledge alone, but by a humble, teachable spirit that eagerly embraces God's discipline and actively seeks to integrate His commands into every facet of daily life. Our attitude towards God's instruction is a profound indicator of the authenticity of our faith and the depth of our relationship with Him. A heart that truly loves God will naturally desire to be conformed to His will, finding joy in His precepts rather than resentment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I truly respond when God's Word challenges my personal preferences or confronts a cherished sin?**
* **Am I more concerned with maintaining an outward appearance of godliness or with cultivating an inward heart that genuinely loves and obeys God's instruction?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "casting God's words behind me" by ignoring His principles or resisting His guidance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more teachable spirit and a deeper appreciation for God's "instruction" in my daily walk?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "instruction" (_musar_) in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _musar_ (מוּסָר), translated as "instruction," is far more comprehensive than mere intellectual teaching. It encompasses discipline, correction, moral guidance, and even chastening. It refers to the formative process by which God shapes the character and conduct of His people, much like a loving parent disciplines a child for their good, as seen in [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Lord's Discipline"): "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Therefore, to "hate instruction" is to reject God's loving efforts to refine, correct, and mature His people. It signifies a deep-seated resistance to spiritual growth and moral conformity to His holy character. This rejection is not passive ignorance but an active aversion to the very means by which God seeks to bring His people into a righteous and flourishing relationship with Him, ultimately hindering their spiritual well-being.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of "hypocrisy"?**

Answer: Psalms 50:17 directly addresses the heart of hypocrisy. The broader context of Psalm 50 shows God's people meticulously performing religious rituals like offering sacrifices, as indicated in [Psalms 50:8](/psalms/50-8 "Psalms 50:8 - God's Delight in Sacrifice"): "I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me." Yet, this verse reveals that despite these outward displays of piety, their hearts are far from God. They "hate instruction" and "cast God's words behind" them, meaning they deliberately disregard God's moral law and ethical commands in their daily lives. This creates a profound disconnect: a public show of devotion coupled with a private or practical rebellion against God's will. This hypocrisy is condemned because it devalues true worship, which God desires to be characterized by truth in the inward parts and genuine obedience, as stated in [Psalms 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "Psalms 51:6 - Truth in the Inward Parts"): "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Jesus himself would later echo this condemnation of outward religiosity without inward transformation, particularly in His woes against the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness" ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:17, with its indictment of those who hate God's instruction and cast His words behind them, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel often rejected God's revealed law and the prophets who spoke His words, the coming of Christ represented the very embodiment of divine instruction and the Word made flesh, as declared in [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." Jesus did not merely bring God's words; He *was* God's Word, the perfect revelation of the Father's will and character, through whom God "hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Therefore, the rejection of God's instruction in the Old Testament foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Christ by many in His own day, who, despite their religious fervor, despised His teachings and cast Him aside, as tragically noted in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"): "He came unto his own, and His own received him not." Jesus Himself taught with unparalleled authority, offering the true "instruction" that leads to life, warning that those who hear His words but do not act on them are foolish, like the man who built his house on sand ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Conversely, for those who embrace Christ, He becomes the very source of wisdom and righteousness, fulfilling the desire for true worship that Psalm 50 yearns for—worship in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). In Him, the hatred of instruction is overcome by a love for the truth that sets us free, and His words are no longer cast behind us but become the very foundation of our lives, leading to true discipleship ([John 8:31-32](/john/8-31 "John 8:31-32 - Truth Will Set You Free")).

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

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Proverbs 12:1

¶ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 4:4

And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Romans 2:21

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?