Psalms 53:6

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

Oh that {H5414}{H8799)} the salvation {H3444} of Israel {H3478} were come out of Zion {H6726}! When God {H430} bringeth back {H7725}{H8800)} the captivity {H7622} of his people {H5971}, Jacob {H3290} shall rejoice {H1523}{H8799)}, and Israel {H3478} shall be glad {H8055}{H8799)}.

If only salvation for Isra'el would come out of Tziyon! When God restores his people's fortunes, what joy for Ya'akov! what gladness for Isra'el!

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!

Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Context

Psalm 53 is a wisdom psalm, almost identical to Psalm 14, and is attributed to David. It paints a bleak picture of human depravity, asserting that "the fool has said in his heart, There is no God." The psalm laments widespread corruption and moral decay, highlighting humanity's rebellion against God. Verse 6, however, shifts from lament to a fervent prayer and hopeful anticipation. It expresses a deep longing for God's direct intervention to bring salvation and reverse the fortunes of His oppressed people, providing a stark contrast to the preceding verses of despair.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The central cry is for God to act decisively and bring salvation. This is not a human effort but a plea for divine intervention to rescue Israel from their state of distress or captivity.
  • Restoration and Hope: The phrase "When God bringeth back the captivity of his people" speaks to a future reversal of adverse circumstances. It anticipates a time when God will fully restore His people, leading to immense joy and gladness. This plea reflects a profound hope in God's faithfulness despite present suffering.
  • Zion as the Source of Salvation: The desire for salvation to come "out of Zion" emphasizes Jerusalem, God's holy city, as the designated place from which His divine help and power are expected to emanate. It signifies that true and lasting help comes directly from God's presence.
  • Joy and Gladness: The anticipated outcome of God's intervention is universal joy and gladness for Jacob and Israel, symbolizing the entire covenant community. This highlights the profound impact of God's redemptive work on His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה - yeshu'ah): This rich Hebrew term denotes not just spiritual deliverance, but also physical rescue, victory, and welfare. It encompasses a comprehensive sense of liberation from distress, oppression, or danger, bringing about a state of well-being.
  • "Bringeth back the captivity" (שְׁבוּת שְׁבָה - sh'vut sh'vah): This is a common Hebrew idiom that literally means "to return the returning" or "to turn the captivity." While it can refer to a literal return from exile (like the Babylonian captivity), it more broadly signifies a complete reversal of fortunes, a restoration from any state of calamity or distress to a state of blessing and prosperity. This idea of God restoring the fortunes of His people is a recurring biblical theme.

Practical Application

Psalm 53:6 offers profound encouragement for believers today. In times of personal distress, societal moral decline, or spiritual bondage, this verse reminds us to direct our fervent prayers and longing towards God. It teaches us that true deliverance and lasting joy originate solely from Him. Like the psalmist, we are called to anticipate God's powerful intervention, knowing that He is able to bring restoration and turn sorrow into gladness. This verse strengthens our faith in God's sovereignty and His unfailing commitment to His people, assuring us that help and salvation ultimately come from Him, from His dwelling place.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 14:7

    Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

  • Jeremiah 30:18

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

  • Isaiah 12:6

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

  • Psalms 126:1

    ¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

  • Psalms 126:4

    ¶ Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

  • Psalms 106:46

    He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

  • Psalms 106:48

    Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
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