Psalms 50:4

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

He shall call {H7121}{H8799)} to the heavens {H8064} from above {H5920}, and to the earth {H776}, that he may judge {H1777}{H8800)} his people {H5971}.

he calls to the heavens above and to earth, in order to judge his people.

He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:

He calleth to the heavens above, And to the earth, that he may judge his people:

Commentary

Context

Psalm 50 is a powerful prophetic psalm, often referred to as a "covenant lawsuit" or "divine judgment scene." Written by Asaph, a chief musician and seer, it portrays God as a majestic judge descending from heaven to hold His people, Israel, accountable. Verse 4 sets the dramatic stage for this grand courtroom, where God summons all of creation to witness His impending judgment. This imagery recalls similar scenes of God's summons and theophany, such as when He established His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, where the earth trembled and fire descended.

Key Themes

  • God's Universal Authority: The call to "heavens from above, and to the earth" underscores God's supreme sovereignty over all creation. He is not merely a tribal deity but the Lord of the cosmos, whose pronouncements are heard and witnessed by all.
  • Divine Judgment: The primary purpose of this cosmic summons is judgment. God is actively involved in assessing the fidelity of "his people" to the covenant He made with them. This is not a judgment of the unrighteous world, but specifically of those who bear His name.
  • Witnesses to Justice: By calling heaven and earth, God establishes a public, undeniable record of His righteous judgment, echoing prophetic calls for heaven and earth to bear witness against disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "call" here is qara' (ืงึธืจึธื), which means to summon, proclaim, or invite. In this context, it carries the weight of a formal, authoritative summons for a legal proceeding. The word for "judge" is din (ื“ึผึดื™ืŸ), implying a legal ruling, an assessment of righteousness or guilt, and the administration of justice.

Practical Application

Psalms 50:4 serves as a timeless reminder of God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly concerning His covenant people. It teaches us that:

  • Accountability is Universal: While this verse speaks to Israel, it establishes a principle that God holds all His people, past and present, accountable for their actions and their adherence to His revealed will. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, reminding us that judgment begins with the household of God.
  • Worship Requires Righteousness: The broader context of Psalm 50 reveals that God is less interested in empty rituals and sacrifices than in genuine obedience and a heart of gratitude. Our outward expressions of faith must be accompanied by inward transformation and righteous living.
  • God Sees and Knows: The imagery of heaven and earth as witnesses emphasizes God's omniscience. There is nothing hidden from His sight, and He will justly evaluate our lives. This should inspire both reverence and a desire to live in alignment with His commands.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:28

    Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

  • Deuteronomy 32:1

    ยถ Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

  • Isaiah 1:2

    ยถ 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.

  • Deuteronomy 4:26

    I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

  • Deuteronomy 30:19

    I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

  • Micah 6:1

    ยถ Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.

  • Micah 6:2

    Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.
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