Psalms 50:3

KJV

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Our God {H430} shall come {H935}{H8799)}, and shall not keep silence {H2790}{H8799)}: a fire {H784} shall devour {H398}{H8799)} before {H6440} him, and it shall be very {H3966} tempestuous {H8175}{H8738)} round about {H5439} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our God is coming and not staying silent. With a fire devouring ahead of him and a great storm raging around him,

Berean Standard Bible

Our God approaches and will not be silent! Consuming fire precedes Him, and a tempest rages around Him.

American Standard Version

Our God cometh, and doth not keep silence: A fire devoureth before him, And it is very tempestuous round about him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:3 powerfully announces the majestic and formidable advent of God, not as a passive observer, but as an active, sovereign Judge. The vivid imagery of a devouring fire preceding Him and a surrounding, intensely tempestuous storm underscores His overwhelming power, unapproachable holiness, and the profound seriousness of His impending divine assembly. This dramatic entrance sets the solemn stage for a covenant lawsuit against His people, Israel, who have strayed from genuine worship and faithful obedience, initiating a divine reckoning that demands attention and response.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 50 functions as a highly dramatic prophetic oracle, often identified by scholars as a "covenant lawsuit" or *rib* (רִיב) form. This legal framework is evident from the opening verses, where God, as the supreme Judge, summons the heavens and earth to bear witness to His impending judgment of His own covenant people, Israel ([Psalms 50:1-2](/psalms/50-1-2 "Psalm 50:1-2 - God Summons the World")). Verse 3 serves as the grand, awe-inspiring entrance of this divine Judge, establishing the solemn and formidable atmosphere necessary for the subsequent charges and pronouncements. It immediately follows the declaration of God's universal authority and precedes His detailed indictment of Israel's superficial worship practices and moral failings, making His arrival a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the entire psalm's message of accountability and true worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of fire and tempest in Psalms 50:3 deeply resonates with the Israelite cultural memory of the theophany at Mount Sinai. There, God descended in fire, smoke, and thunder to establish His covenant with His people, delivering the Law ([Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "Exodus 19:16-19 - The Theophany at Sinai")). This powerful historical event would have instantly conveyed to the original audience the immense gravity, holiness, and authority of God's presence. In the ancient Near East, the appearance of a deity was frequently accompanied by overwhelming natural phenomena, signifying supreme power, divine judgment, and an unchallengeable authority. By evoking Sinai, the psalmist reminds Israel that the same covenant-making God who delivered them and gave them His law is now coming to hold them accountable to the very terms of that covenant, highlighting the continuity of His righteous character and His demand for fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within Psalm 50 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Appearance (Theophany)**, portraying God's visible manifestation with dramatic natural signs, emphasizing His active engagement with humanity rather than His remaining distant or silent. This active presence is crucial for understanding His direct involvement in human history. Secondly, it underscores **Judgment and Accountability**, as God's coming is not for a benign visit but for a serious reckoning, particularly with those who have entered into covenant with Him but failed to live up to its stipulations. This is elaborated later in the psalm concerning their empty sacrifices and moral failings, as seen in passages like [Psalms 50:8-15](/psalms/50-8-15 "Psalm 50:8-15 - God's Indictment of Empty Sacrifices") and [Psalms 50:16-21](/psalms/50-16-21 "Psalm 50:16-21 - God's Rebuke of the Wicked"). Thirdly, the imagery of "fire" and "tempest" vividly conveys God's **Power and Majesty**, asserting His absolute sovereignty and irresistible force over creation and human affairs, reminiscent of how [the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"), demonstrating His unchallengeable authority. Finally, the phrase "shall not keep silence" emphasizes **God's Active Voice**, signifying that He will speak His truth, reveal His will, and pronounce His righteous judgment, demanding attention and a genuine response from His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Silence (Hebrew, _chârash'_ - H2790):** The negative "shall not keep silence" (לֹא יֶחֱרָשׁ, _lo' yeḥĕraš_) is profoundly significant. The root _chârash_ means "to scratch, to engrave, to plow," but also "to be silent, to let alone," and "to be deaf." Here, in the Hiphil stem, it conveys the idea of keeping silent or being deaf to a plea. God's explicit refusal to be silent indicates His active voice, His intention to speak, declare, and judge, rather than remaining aloof, indifferent, or deaf to the actions of His people. It signifies His purposeful intervention and communication.
* **Fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_ - H784):** A powerful and recurring biblical motif, _ʼêsh_ (fire) is frequently associated with God's holy presence, purifying judgment, and consuming wrath. As a "primitive word" for fire, it encompasses both its literal and figurative senses, including "burning, fiery, flaming, hot." In this context, it signifies God's unapproachable holiness, which consumes all impurity, and the destructive power of His righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, as seen in various judgment narratives and the theophany at Sinai.
* **Tempestuous (Hebrew, _sâʻar'_ - H8175):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to storm," implies a violent commotion, whirlwind, or intense disturbance. It can also suggest shivering or fear. When applied to God's presence, _sâʻar_ underscores His overwhelming power, majesty, and the irresistible force with which He acts. It describes a cosmic, awe-inspiring display of divine might that shakes the very foundations of creation, evoking a sense of dread and reverence in the face of His absolute control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Our God shall come":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the subject and the action. The possessive "Our God" (אֱלֹהֵינוּ, _ʼĕlōhênû_) emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, making His arrival deeply personal and significant for His chosen people. "Shall come" (יָבוֹא, _yavo'_) points to a certain, imminent, and purposeful advent, not a mere possibility. It signifies a decisive, active intervention in human affairs.
* **"and shall not keep silence":** This negates any expectation of a passive, unconcerned, or indifferent deity. God's coming is accompanied by His voice—a declaration, a judgment, or a revelation. It highlights His active communication and His intention to speak His truth and hold His people accountable, standing in stark contrast to the silent, impotent idols of other nations. His voice will be heard, and His will made known.
* **"a fire shall devour before him":** The imagery shifts to the visual and visceral. "Fire" (אֵשׁ, _ʼêsh_) signifies God's holiness, purifying judgment, and consuming wrath against sin. The phrase "shall devour before him" (תֹּאכַל לְפָנָיו, _to'ḵal ləfanaw_) indicates that this fiery presence precedes and prepares the way for His direct intervention, consuming all that is impure, rebellious, or stands in opposition to His righteous path. It is a terrifying harbinger of His approach.
* **"and it shall be very tempestuous round about him":** The scene is further intensified by the depiction of a violent storm or whirlwind. "Very tempestuous" (נִשְׂעֲרָה מְאֹד, _nis'arah mə'oḏ_), using the intensive _mᵉʼôd_ ("very," "exceedingly"), conveys overwhelming power, majesty, and the sheer force of God's presence. It suggests a cosmic upheaval accompanying His arrival, emphasizing His absolute control over creation and the irresistible nature of His divine will, creating an atmosphere of awe and dread.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 50:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the majesty and gravity of God's arrival. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God, which is depicted through dramatic natural phenomena like fire and tempest, recalling the awe-inspiring presence at Mount Sinai. This vivid **Imagery** of consuming fire and a surrounding tempest creates a sense of overwhelming power, holiness, and impending judgment, appealing directly to the reader's senses and emotions and evoking a visceral response. The phrase "shall not keep silence" uses a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (speaking, refusing to be silent) to God, thereby emphasizing His active communication, His engagement with His people, and His determination to articulate His will. Furthermore, there is an implied **Parallelism** between God's refusal to be silent and the accompanying natural phenomena; His "speaking" is not merely verbal but also manifested through the powerful signs of fire and tempest, which themselves declare His presence and purpose. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the audience the absolute sovereignty, unapproachable holiness, and formidable nature of the divine Judge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. It underscores the theme of divine judgment, reminding humanity that God is not indifferent to sin or hypocrisy, particularly within His covenant people. The imagery of fire and tempest consistently points to God's inherent holiness, which cannot tolerate impurity, and His righteous wrath against rebellion. It also reinforces the concept of God as a covenant-keeping God who, when His people fail to uphold their end of the agreement, comes to enforce its terms. This divine appearance is a call to accountability, demanding genuine repentance and sincere worship rather than mere ritualistic observance. It establishes that God is a God of justice who will not forever overlook sin, but will ultimately bring all things into account, ensuring that His character as both loving and holy is fully upheld.

* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Isaiah 66:15](/isaiah/66-15 "Isaiah 66:15 - The Lord Will Come with Fire")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:3 serves as a profound and challenging reminder for believers today, inviting us to a deeper understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him. It calls us to recognize that God is not a distant, passive, or silent deity, but an actively engaged, sovereign Lord who intervenes in history and relates to His creation with immense power and purpose. His coming, whether in judgment, salvation, or manifest presence, is always accompanied by awe-inspiring might and an expectation of response. This verse compels us to examine the authenticity of our faith: are we merely going through religious motions, or are our hearts truly aligned with God's covenant and His commands? The seriousness of His presence demands that we live lives of genuine worship, integrity, and obedience, understanding that we stand before a God who sees all and will ultimately bring all things into account. The same power that is depicted in this verse as coming in judgment is also the power that works for salvation, transformation, and empowerment for those who approach Him with sincere hearts and true faith, fostering both reverent fear and humble adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's arrival in fire and tempest challenge my perception of God's nature and His holiness?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be treating God as silent or passive, rather than actively engaged and speaking into my circumstances?**
* **What does "not keeping silence" imply about God's expectations for my personal worship and my daily obedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a more authentic and sincere walk with God, moving beyond outward religious performance to true, heart-felt devotion?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God "not keeping silence" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "shall not keep silence" is profoundly significant, emphasizing God's active and communicative nature, particularly in the context of judgment. It contrasts sharply with the silent, impotent idols of pagan religions that "have mouths, but they speak not" ([Psalms 115:5-7](/psalms/115-5-7 "Psalm 115:5-7 - Idols Have Mouths But Do Not Speak")). Here, God is not merely present; He is speaking, declaring His righteous will, and pronouncing judgment upon His people for their covenant unfaithfulness. This active voice signifies His omniscience—He sees and knows all—and His unwavering commitment to justice and truth. It means that His arrival is not just a display of power, but a purposeful intervention where He will articulate His charges and expectations, demanding a response from those He has called into covenant. His word is authoritative, and His judgment is sure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:3, with its depiction of God's majestic and formidable arrival in fire and tempest, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While His first coming was in humility, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He also declared that He came not to bring peace but a sword, and to cast fire upon the earth, signifying a refining and divisive work ([Luke 12:49](/luke/12-49 "Luke 12:49 - Jesus Came to Cast Fire")). This foreshadows His essential role as the divine Judge. The "fire" and "tempest" of God's presence are fully realized in Christ's glorious second coming, when He will return with power and great glory, accompanied by angels and heavenly hosts, to judge the living and the dead ([Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Comes in Glory to Judge")). He is the one before whom "a fire shall devour," purifying His church and consuming all that opposes His righteous reign, bringing "vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - The Lord Jesus Revealed in Flaming Fire")). Furthermore, the "not keeping silence" of God is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate revelation of the Father, speaking truth and judgment with unparalleled authority. He is the one through whom God has spoken His final and most definitive word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, the awe-inspiring arrival described in Psalm 50:3 points forward to the definitive and decisive advent of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's power, holiness, and righteous judgment, and whose voice will indeed not keep silence.

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

Daniel 7:10

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Leviticus 10:2

And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

Numbers 16:35

¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Psalms 97:3

A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

Psalms 97:5

The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: