Psalms 50:7

KJV

¶ Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I [am] God, [even] thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}{H8798)}, O my people {H5971}, and I will speak {H1696}{H8762)}; O Israel {H3478}, and I will testify {H5749}{H8686)} against thee: I am God {H430}, even thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen, my people, I am speaking: Isra'el, I am testifying against you, I, God, your God.

Berean Standard Bible

“Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God.

American Standard Version

Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify unto thee: I am God, even thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:7 initiates a direct and solemn divine address, where God, as the sovereign covenant Lord, calls His chosen people, Israel, to attentive listening. This verse sets the stage for a profound indictment, as God declares His intention to speak and "testify against" them, asserting His absolute authority and intimate relationship as "God, even thy God," before revealing His displeasure with their superficial worship and lack of genuine obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 50 stands out as a unique prophetic psalm, often attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levitical musician and seer. Unlike many psalms that are prayers, laments, or hymns of praise, this psalm functions as a divine oracle, a courtroom drama where God Himself is both the judge and the prosecuting witness. The preceding verses (Psalms 50:1-6) vividly depict God's majestic arrival from Zion, heralded by fire and storm, summoning heaven and earth to witness His impending judgment. This grand, cosmic setting emphasizes the gravity and universality of the divine pronouncement about to be delivered. Verse 7 marks the pivot from the majestic prelude to God's direct, personal address to His people, establishing His right to speak and hold them accountable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during the monarchical period, likely in the time of David or Solomon, Psalm 50 reflects the covenantal relationship established between Yahweh and Israel at Mount Sinai. This covenant, outlined in books like [Exodus](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"), stipulated blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The psalm addresses a period where external religious rituals (sacrifices, festivals) were meticulously performed, but the internal spiritual reality—true heart obedience, justice, and gratitude—was lacking. The imagery of God "testifying against" His people draws upon the ancient Near Eastern legal framework, where a divine judgment was a common motif, but here, it is uniquely directed at God's own covenant people, highlighting their failure to uphold their end of the covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes that permeate Psalm 50 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as God declares "I am God, even thy God," asserting His absolute right to speak, judge, and demand obedience from His creation, especially His chosen people. Secondly, the repeated address "O my people, O Israel," coupled with "thy God," highlights the **Covenant Relationship** between Yahweh and Israel, a bond that carried both immense privilege and profound responsibility. This relationship is not merely nominal but demands active participation and faithfulness, as seen in the call to "hear." Thirdly, the imperative "Hear" introduces the theme of **Attentive Listening and Obedience**, a concept central to Israel's identity, echoing the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). It implies not just audial reception but a deep, responsive engagement with God's word. Finally, God's declaration "I will testify against thee" establishes the theme of **God as Judge and Witness**, portraying Him as the one who will bring charges and present evidence against His people for their spiritual failures, a motif found throughout the prophetic literature, such as [Malachi 3:5](/malachi/3-5 "Malachi 3:5 - God as a Swift Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _šəmaʿ_):** This is more than a passive reception of sound; it is an imperative verb carrying the profound meaning of "listen attentively, understand, and obey." In the context of the covenant, _šəmaʿ_ implies a responsive hearing that leads to action and compliance with God's will. It is a foundational command in the Hebrew Bible, signifying the very essence of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm_ / _ʾĕlōheyḵā_):** The word _ʾĕlōhîm_ is the general Hebrew term for God, often used with a plural ending but a singular verb, emphasizing God's majestic power, transcendence, and supreme authority. When followed by _ʾĕlōheyḵā_ ("thy God"), it transitions from a general declaration of deity to a specific, covenantal affirmation. "Thy God" underscores the personal, intimate, and exclusive relationship God has with Israel, reminding them of His faithfulness to the covenant He initiated with them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Hear, O my people,"**: This is an urgent, direct imperative from God to His covenant people. The "¶" (paragraph mark in KJV) often indicates a new section or a significant shift. "Hear" (šəmaʿ) is a summons to attentive, obedient listening, implying a call to internalize and act upon what is about to be spoken. "O my people" highlights the intimate, familial, and covenantal relationship God has with Israel, yet it also carries the weight of their responsibility within that bond.
* **"and I will speak;"**: This clause asserts God's divine prerogative and intention to communicate. It signifies that the ensuing words are not mere suggestions or human opinions but authoritative pronouncements from the Creator and Covenant Lord. God is not silent; He is actively engaging with His people.
* **"O Israel, and I will testify against thee:"**: This reiterates the direct address to the nation of Israel, emphasizing their collective identity and accountability. The phrase "I will testify against thee" introduces the courtroom motif, portraying God as a witness who will present evidence of Israel's transgressions. It signifies an impending judgment or accusation, highlighting their failure to live up to the covenant.
* **"I [am] God, [even] thy God."**: This is a powerful self-declaration of divine identity and covenant fidelity. "I am God" (ʾĕlōhîm) asserts His absolute sovereignty and transcendence. "Even thy God" (ʾĕlōheyḵā) reaffirms His unique, personal, and covenantal relationship with Israel, reminding them that He is the very God who redeemed them and entered into a binding agreement with them, thus giving Him the ultimate right to speak and judge.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 50:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle**, where God Himself is the speaker, lending ultimate authority and solemnity to the message. This is immediately followed by a strong **Imperative Mood** ("Hear"), which functions as a direct command, demanding immediate and serious attention from the audience. The repeated use of **Covenantal Language** ("O my people," "O Israel," "thy God") highlights the special relationship between God and His chosen nation, setting the context for the divine indictment. Furthermore, the phrase "I will testify against thee" introduces a vivid **Courtroom Metaphor** or **Legal Imagery**, casting God in the dual role of prosecuting witness and judge. This imagery underscores the justice and righteousness of God's impending judgment, as He presents His case against Israel's spiritual failings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 50:7 serves as a foundational declaration of God's unchanging character as both sovereign Lord and faithful covenant-keeper, who nonetheless demands genuine obedience from His people. It establishes the principle that true worship is not merely ritualistic but flows from a heart of attentive listening and responsive obedience. This verse anticipates the prophetic tradition where God repeatedly calls His people to account for their hypocrisy, emphasizing that external religious acts are meaningless without internal transformation and justice. It underscores the profound truth that judgment begins with the house of God, as those who are in covenant with Him are held to a higher standard of accountability.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Obedience to the Covenant")
* [Malachi 3:5](/malachi/3-5 "Malachi 3:5 - God as a Swift Witness Against Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 50:7 is a timeless reminder that God is not a distant, silent deity but an active, speaking God who demands our full attention and obedience. For believers today, this verse challenges us to move beyond superficial religious practices to a genuine, heartfelt relationship with our Creator. The imperative "Hear" calls us to diligently listen to God's Word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives, rather than merely hearing it with our ears. It compels us to examine whether our worship is truly offered in spirit and truth, or if it has become a mere routine devoid of sincere devotion and ethical living. God, who declares "I am God, even thy God," is both our loving Father and our righteous Judge, and He holds us accountable for how we respond to His voice and His covenant. Our privilege of being called "His people" comes with the profound responsibility to live in a manner that honors His holiness and reflects His character to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "hearing" God's Word but failing to truly "obey" it?**
* **How does my personal worship reflect the declaration that God is "my God," and what might be lacking in its sincerity or depth?**
* **Am I living in a way that suggests God might need to "testify against" me regarding my spiritual integrity or lack thereof?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more attentive and responsive "hearing" of God's voice?**

### FAQ
**Why does God "testify against" His own people?**

Answer: God testifies against His people not out of arbitrary anger, but out of His righteous character and covenant faithfulness. As "thy God," He entered into a solemn covenant with Israel, promising blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. When Israel repeatedly broke this covenant through idolatry, injustice, and superficial worship, God, acting as both their loving Father and their just Judge, had to call them to account. His "testimony" is a legal indictment, presenting the evidence of their unfaithfulness. It's an act of divine justice and a call to repentance, demonstrating that He takes His covenant and His people's actions seriously. This concept is seen throughout the prophets, where God repeatedly calls Israel to return to Him (e.g., [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:7, with its divine call to "Hear" and God's declaration as "thy God" who will "testify against" His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God testified against Old Covenant Israel for their failure to truly "hear" and obey, Jesus perfectly embodied the obedient Son, who always did the will of the Father, perfectly "hearing" and responding to God's voice (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He is the true Israel, the faithful one who fulfills the covenant demands. Furthermore, Jesus Himself becomes the ultimate "God, even thy God" for the New Covenant people, establishing a relationship not based on external rituals but on internal transformation through His sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the testimony against us upon Himself, so that those who "hear" His voice and believe in Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word and Believing")). Through Christ, the judgment God threatened against His unfaithful people is absorbed, and a new people, truly hearing and obeying, is formed by the Spirit, reflecting the true worship God desires ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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 81:8

¶ Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Jeremiah 2:9

¶ Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children's children will I plead.

Psalms 81:10

I [am] the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.

Ezekiel 20:5

¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;

1 Samuel 12:22

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.