Psalms 52:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God [endureth] continually.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, Maschil {H4905}{H8688)}, A Psalm of David {H1732}, when Doeg {H1673} the Edomite {H130} came {H935}{H8800)} and told {H5046}{H8686)} Saul {H7586}, and said {H559}{H8799)} unto him, David {H1732} is come {H935}{H8804)} to the house {H1004} of Ahimelech {H288}. Why boastest {H1984}{H8691)} thou thyself in mischief {H7451}, O mighty {H1368} man? the goodness {H2617} of God {H410} endureth continually {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. A maskil of David, when Do'eg from Edom came and told Sha'ul, "David has arrived at the house of Achimelekh": Why do you boast of your evil, you tyrant, when God's mercy is present every day?

Berean Standard Bible

Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.

American Standard Version

Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endureth continually.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 52:1 serves as the crucial superscription and opening declaration of an instructional psalm by David, directly confronting the malicious boasting of Doeg the Edomite, whose treachery led to the horrific massacre of the priests of Nob. The verse starkly contrasts Doeg's self-glorification in destructive evil with the unwavering, eternal nature of God's steadfast love and enduring goodness, establishing a foundational declaration of divine sovereignty and enduring faithfulness against the backdrop of human depravity and the temporary triumphs of wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The superscription of [Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") is unusually detailed, providing the author (David), the musical instruction ("To the chief Musician"), the psalm type ("Maschil," indicating an instructional or contemplative psalm), and the specific historical occasion. This detailed introduction immediately grounds the psalm in a real-life crisis, setting the stage for David's profound reflection on betrayal, injustice, and divine character. As a "Maschil," the psalm is designed not merely as an emotional outpouring but as a teaching tool, guiding the reader on how to process profound evil and find solace in God's enduring attributes. The verse itself establishes the central antithesis that will be explored throughout the rest of [Psalm 52](/psalms/52 "Psalm 52 - The Wicked and the Righteous"), particularly in the contrast between the "mighty man" who trusts in riches and wickedness ([Psalm 52:7](/psalms/52-7 "Psalm 52:7 - The Wicked Man's Trust")) and the righteous who trust in the "goodness of God" ([Psalm 52:8](/psalms/52-8 "Psalm 52:8 - The Righteous Trust in God")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for [Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") is critical and tragic, recounted in [1 Samuel 21-22](/1_samuel/21-22 "1 Samuel 21-22 - David's Flight and Doeg's Treachery"). David, fleeing from King Saul, sought refuge and provisions from Ahimelech, the high priest, in Nob. Unbeknownst to Ahimelech, David was a fugitive. Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, was present and witnessed David's interaction with the priest. Later, when Saul, in a fit of paranoia and rage, accused his own servants of conspiring with David, Doeg eagerly volunteered the information about David's visit to Nob. This act of betrayal, driven by a desire to curry favor with Saul, led to Saul's command to execute the priests of Nob. When Saul's own guards refused, Doeg, an Edomite (a historical enemy of Israel), personally carried out the horrific massacre of 85 priests and their entire families, including women and children. This event was a profound violation of sacred space, priestly sanctity, and basic human decency, making Doeg a notorious figure of malice and cruelty. David's psalm is a direct response to this profound injustice and the boastful wickedness of Doeg.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") encapsulates several profound themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it establishes the **stark contrast between human evil and divine goodness**. Doeg's "mischief" represents the destructive power of sin and betrayal, while "the goodness of God" stands as an eternal, unshakeable reality. This highlights the ultimate futility of human wickedness in the face of God's enduring character. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **boasting and its object**. Doeg boasts in his capacity for harm and betrayal, a form of self-reliance rooted in depravity. In contrast, the psalm implicitly calls for a boasting or trust in God alone, echoing the sentiment found in [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Boasting in Knowing God"). Thirdly, it underscores the **unwavering nature of God's steadfast love and faithfulness** (His *chesed*). Even in the darkest moments of human treachery and suffering, the truth that God's goodness "endureth continually" provides an anchor of hope and a promise of ultimate justice, a theme frequently celebrated in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever")). This foundational truth becomes David's source of confidence amidst profound personal and national crisis.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maschil (Hebrew, _maskîyl'_):** This term, appearing in the superscription, literally means "one who causes to understand" or "instructive." It designates the psalm as a contemplative or didactic piece, intended to impart wisdom and insight rather than merely express emotion. David, through this psalm, aims to teach both himself and his audience how to respond to profound evil and how to find solace and direction in God's character, even when faced with overwhelming injustice. It suggests a structured reflection designed to lead to spiritual understanding.
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** The Hebrew word *raʻ* carries a strong connotation of badness, evil, or calamity. While it can refer to moral evil, in this context, it emphasizes the destructive and ruinous consequences of Doeg's actions. His "mischief" was not merely a malicious report but an act that directly resulted in the slaughter of innocent priests and their families, bringing ruin and calamity upon Ahimelech's house and the city of Nob. This word highlights the severe and destructive nature of the evil being addressed, emphasizing its harmful impact.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is one of the richest and most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty." *Chêçêd* describes God's unwavering, faithful, and benevolent love, particularly in the context of His covenant relationship with His people. It is a love that is active, loyal, and enduring, not dependent on human merit. The phrase "endureth continually" (or "all the day") emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and ever-present nature of this divine attribute, providing a stark and comforting contrast to the fleeting and destructive nature of human "mischief."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech."**: This lengthy superscription serves as a vital contextual anchor for the psalm. "To the chief Musician" indicates it was intended for public worship and musical performance, suggesting its enduring relevance. "Maschil" marks it as an instructional psalm, designed to impart wisdom and understanding. The historical reference to "Doeg the Edomite" and his betrayal of David's visit to Ahimelech in Nob (as detailed in [1 Samuel 21:1-7](/1_samuel/21-1-7 "1 Samuel 21:1-7 - David at Nob")) immediately sets the tone for a psalm born out of profound betrayal and injustice. It grounds the abstract theological declaration that follows in a concrete, painful historical event, highlighting the specific catalyst for David's reflection.
* **"Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, directly confronting Doeg (or any individual who glories in destructive power). The term "mighty man" (Hebrew, *gibbôwr*) is used ironically here; Doeg's "might" is not in valor or righteousness but in his capacity for betrayal and destruction. The question challenges the very foundation of his pride: why would one boast in acts that bring ruin and calamity? It highlights the perversion of true strength and the moral bankruptcy of those who find satisfaction in evil. It also implies the futility of such boasting, as it will ultimately come to naught, unable to stand against true divine power.
* **"the goodness of God [endureth] continually."**: This is the profound theological declaration that stands in stark opposition to the "mischief" of the "mighty man." It is the psalm's ultimate answer and anchor of hope. The "goodness of God" (His *chêçêd*, steadfast love) is not temporary or contingent but "endureth continually" (or "all the day," implying ceaselessness and permanence). This truth asserts God's unchanging character and His faithful commitment to His covenant people, providing an eternal counterpoint to the fleeting and destructive nature of human evil. It is the ultimate reality upon which David, and all believers, can stand, finding solace and security amidst chaos.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis**, where the "mischief" and boasting of the "mighty man" (Doeg) are placed in stark, irreconcilable opposition to "the goodness of God [that] endureth continually." This creates a dramatic tension that highlights the moral and spiritual chasm between human depravity and divine faithfulness. The verse also uses a **Rhetorical Question** ("Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man?"), which is not meant to elicit an answer but to condemn and expose the absurdity and moral bankruptcy of Doeg's actions. It serves to challenge the very premise of his pride and the source of his perceived power. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in addressing Doeg as "O mighty man." His "might" is not in courage, virtue, or righteousness but in his capacity for betrayal and destruction, a perverse and ultimately futile display of strength. This ironic address subtly undermines his perceived power and points to the ultimate futility of his wickedness in the face of God's enduring goodness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") offers a profound theological statement that resonates throughout the biblical narrative: the ultimate triumph of God's enduring goodness over fleeting human evil. In a world often marked by injustice, betrayal, and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this verse serves as a crucial anchor. It teaches that while human malice may cause immense suffering and temporary devastation, it can never diminish or ultimately overcome the eternal, unwavering *chêçêd* of God. This divine goodness is not merely a passive attribute but an active, covenantal love that ensures God's ultimate justice and faithfulness to His promises. The psalm implicitly calls believers to shift their focus from the intimidating power of the wicked to the unshakeable reality of God's character, finding their security and hope not in human strength or schemes, but in the steadfast love of their Creator.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever")
* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1-2 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Fret Not Because of Evildoers")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often feels chaotic and unjust, where malicious individuals seem to prosper and betrayal can wound deeply, [Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") offers a powerful and comforting truth. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate circumstances of human wickedness and to fix our gaze on the eternal, unchanging character of God. When we encounter those who boast in their destructive power, who seem to thrive on "mischief," this verse reminds us that their reign is temporary and their perceived strength is ultimately futile. Our security and hope are not found in the absence of evil, but in the unwavering presence of God's goodness. This calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate justice, knowing that His *chêçêd* endures continually, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise. It encourages us to boast not in our own strength or the defeat of our enemies, but in the steadfast love of the Lord, allowing His enduring goodness to be the constant anchor for our souls in every storm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with injustice or betrayal, where do I tend to place my trust and hope?**
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, "boast in mischief" or in my own perceived strength, rather than in God's goodness?**
* **How does the truth that "the goodness of God endureth continually" practically impact my perspective on suffering and the apparent triumph of evil in the world today?**
* **What specific actions can I take to more consistently anchor my hope in God's steadfast love, even when circumstances are challenging?**

### FAQ
**Who was Doeg the Edomite and why is he significant here?**

Answer: Doeg the Edomite was King Saul's chief herdsman, a non-Israelite who played a pivotal and notorious role in David's life. As recounted in [1 Samuel 21-22](/1_samuel/21-22 "1 Samuel 21-22 - David's Flight and Doeg's Treachery"), he witnessed David receiving aid from Ahimelech the high priest in Nob. Later, when Saul became paranoid and raged against his priests for supposedly aiding David, Doeg eagerly informed on Ahimelech. When Saul's own guards refused to harm the priests, Doeg, at Saul's command, personally carried out the massacre of 85 priests and their families. His significance in [Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness") is that he represents the epitome of malicious betrayal and boasting in destructive power, serving as the stark human foil to God's enduring goodness.

**What does "Maschil" mean in the superscription?**

Answer: "Maschil" (מַשְׂכִּיל, *maskîyl*) is a Hebrew term found in the superscriptions of several psalms. It signifies an "instructional" or "contemplative" psalm. It suggests that the psalm is intended to impart wisdom, insight, or understanding, guiding the reader in a thoughtful reflection on a particular truth or experience. In the case of [Psalms 52](/psalms/52 "Psalm 52 - The Wicked and the Righteous"), it indicates that David's response to Doeg's treachery is not just an emotional lament but a structured teaching designed to help others learn how to navigate similar situations and find solace in God's character.

**How can God's goodness "endure continually" when evil seems to triumph?**

Answer: The declaration that "the goodness of God [endureth] continually" is a profound statement of divine character and sovereignty, not a promise that believers will be exempt from suffering or that evil will never appear to win a battle. It means that God's essential nature—His steadfast love (*chêçêd*), faithfulness, and benevolence—remains constant and unchanging, regardless of human actions or temporary circumstances. Even when evil seems to triumph, God remains good, and His ultimate plan of justice and redemption will prevail. This truth provides an eternal anchor, reminding us that the temporary victories of "mischief" are fleeting, while God's character and His ultimate triumph are eternal. It calls us to trust in His long-term justice and His unwavering commitment to His people, even when the present moment is dark, as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 52:1](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Goodness"), with its stark contrast between the boasting of the "mighty man" in mischief and the enduring goodness of God, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Doeg's treachery and the resulting massacre foreshadow the ultimate "mischief" of sin and death, orchestrated by the true "mighty man" of evil, Satan. Yet, against this backdrop of profound human and spiritual depravity, the "goodness of God" is supremely revealed in the person and work of Jesus. He is the very embodiment of God's *chêçêd*, the steadfast love that endures continually. In His incarnation, God's goodness did not merely "endure" from afar but actively entered human history, taking on flesh to dwell among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). On the cross, Christ's sacrificial death demonstrated the pinnacle of God's goodness, where "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His resurrection is the definitive proof that God's goodness triumphs over all "mischief," including sin, death, and the powers of darkness, utterly disarming them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, the enduring goodness of God, which David clung to in the face of Doeg's evil, is not just a theological concept but a living reality made manifest and eternally secured in Christ, who will ultimately return to fully establish God's righteous reign and banish all "mischief" forever ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

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 103:17

But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Psalms 107:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 94:4

[How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

Proverbs 6:14

Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

1 Samuel 21:7

Now a certain man of the servants of Saul [was] there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name [was] Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that [belonged] to Saul.

Psalms 137:1

¶ By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

Psalms 137:2

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.