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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 53:1–6.
This psalm was opened before, and therefore we shall here only observe, in short, some things concerning sin, in order to the increasing of our sorrow for it and hatred of it. 1. The fact of sin. Is that proved? Can the charge be made out? Yes, God is a witness to it, an unexceptionable witness: from the place of his holiness he looks on the children of men, and sees how little good there is among them, Psa 53:2. All the sinfulness of their hearts and lives in naked and open before him. 2. The fault of sin. Is there any harm in it? Yes, it is iniquity (Psa 53:1, Psa 53:4); it is an unrighteous thing; it is that which there is no good in (Psa 53:1, Psa 53:3); it is an evil thing; it is the worst of evils; it is that which makes this world such an evil world as it is; it is going back from God, Psa 53:3. 3. The fountain of sin. How comes it that men are so bad? Surely it is because there is no fear of God before their eyes: they say in their hearts, "There is no God at all to call us to an account, none that we need to stand in awe of." Men's bad practices flow from their bad principles; if they profess to know God, yet in works, because in thoughts, they deny him. 4. The folly of sin. He is a fool (in the account of God, whose judgment we are sure is right) that harbours such corrupt thoughts. Atheists, whether in opinion or practice, are the greatest fools in the world. Those that do not seek God do not understand; they are like brute-beasts that have no understanding; for man is distinguished from the brutes, not so much by the powers of reason as by a capacity for religion. The workers of iniquity, whatever they pretend to, have no knowledge; those may truly be said to know nothing that do not know God, Psa 53:4. 5. The filthiness of sin. Sinners are corrupt (Psa 53:1); their nature is vitiated and spoiled, and the more noble the nature is the more vile it is when it is depraved, as that of the angels. Corruptio optimi est pessima - The best things, when corrupted, become the worst. Their iniquity is abominable; it is odious to the holy God, and it renders them so; whereas otherwise he hates nothing that he has made. It makes men filthy, altogether filthy. Wilful sinners are offensive in the nostrils of the God of heaven and of the holy angels. What decency soever proud sinners pretend to, it is certain that wickedness is the greatest defilement in the world. 6. The fruit of sin. See to what a degree of barbarity it brings men at last; when men's hearts are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin see their cruelty to their brethren, that are bone of their bone - because they will not run with them to the same excess of riot, they eat them up as they eat bread; as if they had not only become beasts, but beasts of prey. And see their contempt of God at the same time. They have not called upon him, but scorn to be beholden to him. 7. The fear and shame that attend sin (Psa 53:5): There were those in great fear who had made God their enemy; their own guilty consciences frightened them, and filled them with horror, though otherwise there was no apparent cause of fear. The wicked flees when none pursues. See the ground of this fear; it is because God has formerly scattered the bones of those that encamped against his people, not only broken their power and dispersed their forces, but slain them, and reduced their bodies to dry bones, like those scattered at the grave's mouth, Psa 141:7. Such will be the fate of those that lay siege to the camp of the saints and the beloved city, Rev 20:9. The apprehensions of this cannot but put those into frights that eat up God's people. This enables the virgin, the daughter of Zion, to put them to shame, and expose them, because God has despised them, to laugh at them, because he that sits in heaven laughs at them. We need not look upon those enemies with fear whom God looks upon with contempt. If he despises them, we may. 8. The faith of the saints, and their hope and power touching the cure of this great evil, Psa 53:6. There will come a Saviour, a great salvation, a salvation from sin. Oh that it might be hastened! for it will bring in glorious and joyful times. There were those in the Old Testament times that looked and hoped, that prayed and waited, for this redemption. (1.) God will, in due time, save his church from the sinful malice of its enemies, which will bring joy to Jacob and Israel, that have long been in a mournful melancholy state. Such salvations were often wrought, and all typical of the everlasting triumphs of the glorious church. (2.) He will save all believers from their own iniquities, that they may not be led captive by them, which will be everlasting matter of joy to them. From this work the Redeemer had his name - Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins, Mat 1:21.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Shall not all know that work iniquity, that devour My people for the food of bread"? [Psalm 53:5]....There is therefore here a people of God that is being devoured. Nay, "There is not one that does good, there is not so much as one." We reply by the rule above. But this people that is devoured, this people that suffers evil men, this that groans and travails amid evil men, now out of sons of men have been made sons of God: therefore are they devoured. For, "The counsel of the needy man you have confounded, because the Lord is his hope." For ofttimes, in order that the people of God may be devoured, this very thing in it is despised, that it is the people of God. I will pillage, he says, and despoil; if he is a Christian, what will he do to me?...But what follows? "I will convince you, and will set you before your face." You will not now know so as you should be displeasing to yourself, you shall know so as you may mourn. For God cannot but show to the unrighteous their iniquity. If He is not to show, who will they be that are to say, "What has profited us pride, and what has boasting of riches bestowed upon us?" [Wisdom 5:8] For then shall they know, that now will not know. "Shall not all know?" etc. Why has He added, "for the food of bread"? As it were as bread, they eat My people. For all other things which we eat, we can eat now these, now those; not always this vegetable, not always this flesh, not always these apples: but always bread. What is then, "Devour My people for the food of bread"? Without intermission, without cessation they devour.
Perhaps he calls them saints in this psalm in the same way that he calls them just in the Gospel when he says, “I am not come to call the just but sinners,” that is, those just who boast of the holiness of their race and the letter of the Law, to whom it is said, “Do not boast of your father Abraham, for God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” This type is exemplified in the Pharisee who recited his good works in the temple, as if recalling them to an ignorant Lord, not praying to be heard but demanding the reward due to his good conduct. Yet, this was displeasing to God because he tore down by his pride what he had built up by his justice; he did not do this silently but at the top of his voice; and it is evident that he did not speak to divine ears, because he wished to be heard by people. Hence, he was not pleasing to God because he was pleasing to himself. “For God has scattered the bones of people pleasing to themselves; they have been confounded,” he says, “because he has despised them,” who “does not despise a contrite and humbled heart.”
Such a person not only cuts himself off from the rewards of his virtues but even lays himself open to being condemned to eternal punishment, because the good action, which ought to be performed in consideration of a merciful God, has been performed in order to gain praise. Take away the favors, take away people’s admiration, and you will find few who do something good either for the love of God, or barring that, for fear of God; yet no less is the blame with which we are tainted, because we place people before God and human glory before heavenly glory. This disease of pride is acute; it poisons from either side, and it wounds when least expected. For some boast of themselves because they are good, others because they are bad. Of the good who boast, it is said, “For God has scattered the bones of those who are pleased with themselves.” Of the evil who boast it is said, “For the wicked person is praised in the desires of his soul, and the worker of injustice shall be blessed.” There are also the words of the apostle: “Their god is the belly, their glory is in their shame.”
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Summary
Psalms 53:5 powerfully depicts the sudden, divinely orchestrated terror and catastrophic defeat of those who oppose God and His people. It vividly portrays a scene where adversaries, seemingly secure and without external threat, are struck with an inexplicable dread, leading to their utter humiliation and destruction. This profound reversal is attributed directly to God, who actively scatters their remains and holds their defiance in contempt, serving as a testament to divine justice and the ultimate futility of human rebellion against the Almighty.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 53 is a wisdom psalm that is almost identical to Psalm 14, differing primarily in its use of "God" (Elohim) instead of "Lord" (Yahweh). Both psalms commence with the stark declaration that "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalms 53:1). This foundational denial of divine authority then cascades into a description of pervasive moral corruption, including injustice, oppression of the righteous, and a complete lack of understanding or seeking after God. Verse 5 serves as the dramatic climax and divine response to this widespread depravity and rebellion. It marks a decisive shift from detailing human wickedness to proclaiming God's active intervention and judgment. The verse highlights God's sovereignty and His direct action against those who "encamp against thee," referring to the adversaries of God's people, thus unveiling the ultimate vindication for the righteous and the certain downfall of the wicked.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery employed in Psalms 53:5 is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern warfare and societal values. The concept of an enemy being struck with "great fear, where no fear was" alludes to a supernatural panic, often referred to as a "terror of God" or "divine dread," which could cause an army to flee in complete disarray without a visible or rational threat. This phenomenon is recounted in various biblical narratives, such as the panic that seized the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:15) or the Syrians (2 Kings 7:6). The grim phrase "scattered the bones" carries immense cultural weight, signifying absolute defeat, dishonor, and the obliteration of legacy. In ancient societies, a proper burial was paramount for dignity, remembrance, and the spiritual well-being of the deceased and their family. To have one's bones scattered, left unburied and exposed to the elements, was the ultimate indignity, signifying utter annihilation, a complete lack of respect, and the denial of any lasting memory or resting place. This was the most profound shame for a vanquished foe, implying that their very existence was utterly despised and erased by divine contempt.
Key Themes
This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Reversal and Judgment. Those who confidently oppose God and His ways are suddenly overwhelmed by a terror of supernatural origin, leading to their complete and humiliating defeat. This demonstrates God's active role as an impartial judge, intervening in human affairs to uphold justice and to rectify the imbalance caused by wickedness. Secondly, the verse highlights The Folly and Consequences of Atheism and Wickedness. The "fool" who denies God's existence and lives in defiance of His moral order is ultimately met with God's scorn and destructive judgment. This illustrates that human arrogance, rebellion, and self-sufficiency are utterly futile when confronted by divine power and righteousness. Finally, Psalms 53:5 powerfully reinforces the theme of God as Protector and Deliverer. For the righteous, it offers profound assurance that God is their ultimate defender. He actively "scatters the bones" of those who threaten His people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice and His capacity to deliver His chosen from oppression, as seen in His historical deliverances of Israel from their enemies, such as the miraculous victory at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) or the defeat of the Amorites (Joshua 10:10-11).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term denotes a sudden, overwhelming, and often irrational terror or dread. In this context, it specifically emphasizes that the fear experienced by the adversaries was not a natural response to a visible threat but an inexplicable, divinely imposed panic. It highlights the supernatural nature of their rout, where their own confidence and military prowess were shattered by an unseen, internal collapse, signifying God's direct hand in their psychological disarray.
A primitive root meaning "to scatter," whether in enmity or bounty. Here, it implies a forceful and destructive dispersal, indicating that God actively broke apart and dispersed the enemies' strength and unity. Combined with "bones," it paints a picture of utter dismemberment and annihilation, leaving no coherent form or legacy.
This primitive root means "to spurn," "to abhor," "to cast away," or "to reject with disdain." It is a strong verb indicating not merely anger, but a profound dismissal of the adversaries' value, actions, and very existence in God's sight. Their rebellion is so offensive that God views them with utter scorn and contempt, leading directly to their downfall because He considers them utterly worthless and deserving of His decisive judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"There were they in great fear, where no fear was:"
This striking antithetical phrase highlights the supernatural and inexplicable origin of the enemies' terror. Their panic was not caused by any visible army, earthly danger, or rational threat, but by an unseen, divinely instilled dread. It underscores the irrationality and overwhelming nature of their sudden rout, emphasizing that God Himself was the source of their psychological collapse and flight, demonstrating His sovereign power over the human heart and mind.
"for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee:"
This clause provides the immediate reason for the enemies' fear and describes the physical outcome of God's judgment. The vivid and gruesome imagery of "scattered bones" signifies total, humiliating defeat, complete annihilation, and the denial of a proper burial. This was the ultimate indignity in ancient culture, erasing the enemy's honor, legacy, and memory. The phrase "him that encampeth against thee" refers to the adversaries who threaten God's people, establishing God's direct and protective intervention on behalf of His chosen.
"thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them."
This final clause reiterates and reinforces the consequence of God's action – the public humiliation and disgrace of the enemies. The shame is a direct and inevitable result of God's profound contempt and disdain ("despised them") for their rebellion, wickedness, and denial of His existence. God's utter rejection of their actions and character leads to their ultimate downfall, powerfully demonstrating His justice, sovereignty, and moral opposition to all who defy Him.
Literary Devices
Psalms 53:5 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and protection. The most prominent is Antithesis, starkly evident in the phrase "There were they in great fear, where no fear was." This sharp contrast emphasizes the supernatural and inexplicable nature of the enemies' terror, highlighting that their panic was not a response to any natural or visible threat but a divinely imposed psychological collapse. Vivid Imagery is powerfully utilized with the grim phrase "scattered the bones." This concrete and visceral image evokes a sense of complete and utter defeat, dishonor, and annihilation, painting a picture of bodies left unburied and dignity stripped away. The phrase also functions as Hyperbole, emphasizing the totality of their destruction beyond mere military defeat, suggesting an absolute obliteration of their very memory and legacy. Finally, the statement "God hath despised them" employs Anthropomorphism, attributing human emotions (contempt, disdain, scorn) to God. This device helps the reader grasp the depth of God's moral opposition and rejection of the wicked, making His judgment relatable and underscoring His profound and active disapproval of their actions and character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 53:5 stands as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, justice, and unwavering commitment to His people. It reveals a God who is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, intervening decisively to bring judgment upon the wicked and deliverance to the righteous. The inexplicable fear and total defeat of the enemies underscore the futility of human rebellion against the Almighty and affirm that true security lies not in military might or human schemes, but in God's protective hand. This divine intervention serves as a powerful reminder that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their ultimate end is shame and destruction, because God resists the proud and exalts the humble. The psalm therefore offers both a stern warning to those who defy God and immense comfort to those who trust in Him, assuring them that their battles are ultimately His.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 53:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, serving as both a warning and a source of immense comfort. In a world where godlessness often seems to flourish and the righteous face opposition, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign and actively engaged in the affairs of humanity. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we, like the "fool" described in the psalm, live as if God does not exist, either through outright intellectual denial or through practical disregard for His commands and moral order? The ultimate shame and destruction of those who defy God should instill in us a healthy fear of the Lord and a renewed commitment to living righteously, understanding that our actions have eternal consequences. Conversely, for those who are God's people, this verse provides deep assurance and solace. When facing seemingly insurmountable opposition, or when the wicked appear to prosper and oppress, we are reminded that God sees, hears, and will ultimately intervene with perfect timing and justice. He is our ultimate protector, capable of scattering the plans and power of those who oppose His kingdom and His people. Our call is to trust in His perfect timing and unfailing justice, knowing that His judgment is sure and His deliverance is certain, even when we cannot perceive the means.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "There were they in great fear, where no fear was" mean?
This striking phrase indicates that the fear experienced by the adversaries was not a natural response to a visible or humanly discernible threat. Instead, it points to a sudden, inexplicable, and overwhelming terror that was divinely imposed. It highlights the supernatural nature of their panic and flight, suggesting that God Himself instilled this dread in them, causing them to flee in disarray even when no earthly army or danger was apparent. This concept of a "terror of God" or "divine panic" is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as when the Lord causes panic among the enemies of Israel, as described in Exodus 23:27 and Joshua 10:10. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human will and the power of His unseen hand.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 53:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies God's judgment against sin and His unwavering protection for His people. The "fool" who says "there is no God" ultimately rejects the very Son who perfectly reveals God's nature and will (John 14:9). The "great fear where no fear was" foreshadows the spiritual terror that will ultimately grip those who stand against Christ, a terror that culminates in the final judgment where every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). The scattering of the bones of those who encamp against God's people finds its ultimate expression in Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Through His resurrection, Christ disarmed and shamed the spiritual principalities and powers, leaving them scattered and defeated. Furthermore, Christ's protection of His church ensures that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18), and those whom God has despised – the unrepentant and rebellious – will face the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16). Thus, Psalms 53:5 points to the ultimate triumph of God's anointed King, Jesus, who will finally put all His enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25), bringing shame to those who defy Him and eternal security to those who trust in Him.