TRV
Translation
King James Version
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about 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.
World English Bible Messianic
Our God comes, and does not keep silent. A fire devours before him. It is very stormy around him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence: a fire shall deuoure before him, and a mightie tempest shall be mooued round about him.
Young's Literal Translation
Our God cometh, and is not silent, Fire before Him doth devour, And round about him it hath been very tempestuous.
In the KJVVerse 14,672 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 50 verses 1–6
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.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
It is probable that Asaph was not only the chief musician, who was to put a tune to this psalm, but that he was himself the penman of it; for we read that in Hezekiah's time they praised God in the words of David and of Asaph the seer, Ch2 29:30. Here is,
I. The court called, in the name of the King of kings (Psa 50:2): The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken - El, Elohim, Jehovah, the God of infinite power justice and mercy, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. God is the Judge, the Son of God came for judgement into the world, and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of judgment. All the earth is called to attend, not only because the controversy God had with his people Israel for their hypocrisy and ingratitude might safely be referred to any man of reason (nay, let the house of Israel itself judge between God and his vineyard, Isa 5:3), but because all the children of men are concerned to know the right way of worshipping God, in spirit and in truth, because when the kingdom of the Messiah should be set up all should be instructed in the evangelical worship, and invited to join in it (see Mal 1:11, Act 10:34), and because in the day of final judgment all nations shall be gathered together to receive their doom, and every man shall give an account of himself unto God.
II. The judgment set, and the Judge taking his seat. As, when God gave the law to Israel in the wilderness, it is said, He came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir, and shone forth from Mount Paran, and came with ten thousands of his saints, and then from his right hand went a fiery law (Deu 33:2), so, with allusion to that, when God comes to reprove them for their hypocrisy, and to send forth his gospel to supersede the legal institutions, it is said here, 1. That he shall shine out of Zion, as then from the top of Sinai, Psa 50:2. Because in Zion his oracle was now fixed, thence his judgments upon that provoking people denounced, and thence the orders issued for the execution of them (Joe 2:1): Blow you the trumpet in Zion. Sometimes there are more than ordinary appearances of God's presence and power working with and by his word and ordinances, for the convincing of men's consciences and the reforming and refining of his church; and then God, who always dwells in Zion, may be said to shine out of Zion. Moreover, he may be said to shine out of Zion because the gospel, which set up spiritual worship, was to go forth from Mount Zion (Isa 2:3, Mic 4:2), and the preachers of it were to begin at Jerusalem (Luk 24:47), and Christians are said to come unto Mount Zion, to receive their instructions, Heb 12:22, Heb 12:28. Zion is here called the perfection of beauty, because it was the holy hill; and holiness is indeed the perfection of beauty. 2. That he shall come, and not keep silence, shall no longer seem to wink at the sins of men, as he had done (Psa 50:21), but shall show his displeasure at them, and shall also cause that mystery to be published to the world by his holy apostles which had long lain hid, that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs (Eph 3:5, Eph 3:6) and that the partition-wall of the ceremonial law should be taken down; this shall now no longer be concealed. In the great day our God shall come and shall not keep silence, but shall make those to hear his judgment that would not hearken to his law. 3. That his appearance should be very majestic and terrible: A fire shall devour before him. The fire of his judgments shall make way for the rebukes of his word, in order to the awakening of the hypocritical nation of the Jews, that the sinners in Zion, being afraid of that devouring fire (Isa 33:14), might be startled out of their sins. When his gospel kingdom was to be set up Christ came to send fire on the earth, Luk 12:49. The Spirit was given in cloven tongues as of fire, introduced by a rushing mighty wind, which was very tempestuous, Act 2:2, Act 2:3. And in the last judgment Christ shall come in flaming fire, Th2 1:8. See Dan 7:9; Heb 10:27. 4. That as on Mount Sinai he came with ten thousands of his saints, so he shall now call to the heavens from above, to take notice of this solemn process (Psa 50:4), as Moses often called heaven and earth to witness against Israel (Deu 4:26, Deu 31:28, Deu 32:1), and God by his prophets, Isa 1:2; Mic 6:2. The equity of the judgment of the great day will be attested and applauded by heaven and earth, by saints and angels, even all the holy myriads.
III. The parties summoned (Psa 50:5): Gather my saints together unto me. This may be understood either, 1. Of saints indeed: "Let them be gathered to God through Christ; let the few pious Israelites be set by themselves;" for to them the following denunciations of wrath do not belong; rebukes to hypocrites ought not to be terrors to the upright. When God will reject the services of those that only offered sacrifice, resting in the outside of the performance, he will graciously accept those who, in sacrificing, make a covenant with him, and so attend to and answer the end of the institution of sacrifices. The design of the preaching of the gospel, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom, was to gather together in one the children of God, Joh 11:52. And at the second coming of Jesus Christ all his saints shall be gathered together unto him (Th2 2:1) to be assessors with him in the judgment; for the saints shall judge the world, Co1 6:2. Now it is here given as a character of the saints that they have made a covenant with God by sacrifice. Note, (1.) Those only shall be gathered to God as his saints who have, in sincerity, covenanted with him, who have taken him to be their God and given up themselves to him to be his people, and thus have joined themselves unto the Lord. (2.) It is only by sacrifice, by Christ the great sacrifice (from whom all the legal sacrifices derived what value they had), that we poor sinners can covenant with God so as to be accepted of him. There must be an atonement made for the breach of the first covenant before we can be admitted again into covenant. Or, 2. It may be understood of saints in profession, such as the people of Israel were, who are called a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, Exo 19:6. They were, as a body politic, taken into covenant with God, the covenant of peculiarity; and it was done with great solemnity, by sacrifice, Exo 24:8. "Let them come and hear what God has to say to them; let them receive the reproofs God sends them now by his prophets, and the gospel he will, in due time, send them by his Son, which shall supersede the ceremonial law. If these be slighted, let them expect to hear from God another way, and to be judged by that word which they will not be ruled by."
IV. The issue of this solemn trial foretold (Psa 50:6): The heavens shall declare his righteousness, those heavens that were called to be witnesses to the trial (Psa 50:4); the people in heaven shall say, Hallelujah. True and righteous are his judgments, Rev 19:1, Rev 19:2. The righteousness of God in all the rebukes of his word and providence, in the establishment of his gospel (which brings in an everlasting righteousness, and in which the righteousness of God is revealed), and especially in the judgment of the great day, is what the heavens will declare; that is, 1. It will be universally known, and proclaimed to all the world. As the heavens declare the glory, the wisdom and power, of God the Creator (Psa 19:1), so they shall no less openly declare the glory, the justice and righteousness, of God the Judge; and so loudly do they proclaim both that there is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard, as it follows there, Psa 50:3. 2. It will be incontestably owned and proved; who can deny what the heavens declare? Even sinners' own consciences will subscribe to it, and hell as well as heaven will be forced to acknowledge the righteousness of God. The reason given is, for God is Judge himself, and therefore, (1.) He will be just; for it is impossible he should do any wrong to any of his creatures, he never did, nor ever will. When men are employed to judge for him they may do unjustly; but, when he is Judge himself, there can be no injustice done. Is God unrighteous, who takes vengeance? The apostle, for this reason, startles at the thought of it; God forbid! for then how shall God judge the world? Rom 3:5, Rom 3:6. These decisions will be perfectly just, for against them there will lie no exception, and from them there will lie no appeal. (2.) He will be justified; God is Judge, and therefore he will not only execute justice, but he will oblige all to own it; for he will be clear when he judges, Psa 51:4.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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IrenaeusAD 202
AGAINST HERESIES 5:18.3
God came in a visible manner, and was made flesh and hung on the tree, that he might sum up all things in himself.… He is the Word of God, and very man, communicating with invisible beings after the manner of the intellect and appointing a law observable to the outward senses, that all things should continue each in its own order; and he reigns manifestly over things visible and pertaining to people; and he brings in just judgment and worth on all; as David also, clearly pointing to this, says, “Our God shall openly come and will not keep silence.” Then he shows also the judgment that is brought in by him, saying, “A fire shall burn in his sight, and a strong tempest shall rage round about him. He shall call on the heaven from above, and the earth, to judge his people.”
Diodorus of TarsusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON PSALM 50
He presents his whole discourse as if God personally were present and judging, thus his addition of “he will not keep silence,” that is, he will choose to judge the judges in no other way than by personal inspection and as though by his very presence. Then, to bring out that he arrives in retribution and as a cause of deep fear, attended by sanctions like bodyguards, he goes on, “A fire will burn in his presence, with a severe storm around him”: just as the rulers of the earth have heralds going ahead to inspire submission with their shouting, so too God comes in person with fire going ahead and a severe storm to inspire fear in those due to be judged. By “storm” he refers to a power capable of drawing down to hades.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 50
"And a mighty tempest round about Him" [Psalm 50:3]. "A mighty tempest," in order to winnow so great a floor. In this tempest shall be that winnowing whereby from the saints shall be put away everything impure, from the faithful every unreality; from godly men and them that fear the Word of God, every scorner and every proud man. For now a sort of mixture does lie there, from the rising of the sun unto the going down. Let us see then how He will do that is to come, what He will do with that tempest which "shall be a mighty tempest round about Him." Doubtless this tempest is to make a sort of separation. It is that separation which they waited not for, who broke the nets, before they came to land. [Luke 5:6] But in this separation there is made a sort of distinction between good men and bad men. There be some that now follow Christ with lightened shoulders without the load of the world's cares, who have not heard in vain, "If you will be perfect, go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me;" [Matthew 19:21] to which sort is said, "You shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." [Matthew 19:28] Some then shall be judging with the Lord: but others to be judged, but to be placed on the right hand. For that there will be certain judging with the Lord, we have most evident testimony, which I have but now quoted: "You shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."...
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 50:2
Do not think the second coming will be like his first: at that time he concealed his characteristic magnificence in lowliness and poverty, whereas in this case he will reveal plainly to everyone his lordship and kingship, no longer employing long-suffering but judging justly. As he said, “he will not keep silence. A fire will burn in his presence, with a severe storm around him.” Blessed Daniel had a vision of this: “A river of fire,” he says, “was flowing in front of him, his throne a fiery flame, its wheels flaming fire.”
Arnobius the YoungerAD 460
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 50
He will surely come openly to judge the age through fire. Fire will burn in his countenance, and around him will be strong storms. Then apostles, martyrs and teachers will be gathered, those who have ordained his covenant over sacrifices. These will become the apostles, teachers and advisors in the present. These are the “heavens” who proclaim the glory of God. Then when God begins to judge they announce his righteousness and his mercy.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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). 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, 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). 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). 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). Furthermore, the "not keeping silence" of God is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is the very Word of God made 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). 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.