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Psalms 50:21

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These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

These things hast thou done {H6213}{H8804)}, and I kept silence {H2790}{H8689)}; thou thoughtest {H1819}{H8765)} that I was altogether {H1961}{H8800)} such an one as thyself: but I will reprove {H3198}{H8686)} thee, and set them in order {H6186}{H8799)} before thine eyes {H5869}.

When you do such things, should I stay silent? You may have thought I was just like you; but I will rebuke and indict you to your face.

You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.

These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself: ButI will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 50 is a dramatic divine judgment scene, often referred to as a "liturgical psalm" or "prophetic oracle." God is portrayed as a judge summoning heaven and earth to witness His indictment against His own people, Israel. He begins by clarifying that He does not need their sacrifices for His own sustenance, but rather desires true worship rooted in obedience and thanksgiving (Psalm 50:14). This verse (21) specifically targets the wicked and hypocritical among them, who meticulously perform religious rituals while living in unrighteousness, believing their outward acts are sufficient or that God overlooks their sin.

Key Themes

  • God's Unseen Patience Misinterpreted: The phrase "I kept silence" highlights God's long-suffering and patience. His lack of immediate judgment or visible intervention was misconstrued by the wicked as indifference, approval, or even ignorance of their transgressions. This silence is not weakness but a period of grace, giving opportunity for repentance, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9.
  • Misconceptions of God's Nature: The core accusation, "thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself," reveals a profound spiritual blindness. The wicked projected their own corrupt nature, indifference to sin, or willingness to compromise onto God. They imagined God to be like a human judge who could be bribed, deceived, or who simply didn't care about their inward moral decay as long as outward formalities were observed. This is a direct affront to God's holy and righteous character.
  • Divine Reproof and Revelation: God declares, "I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes." The Hebrew word for "reprove," yâkach (יָכַח), implies a legal process of conviction, rebuke, or exposing truth. God promises to bring their hidden sins, their false assumptions, and His true character to light. "Setting them in order" means to lay out their transgressions clearly and undeniably, so they can no longer deny or misunderstand the gravity of their actions. This speaks to the ultimate accountability before God, where nothing is hidden (Hebrews 4:13).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "reprove" (yâkach, יָכַח) is significant. It carries the meaning of to argue, to convict, to decide, to rebuke, or to correct. It's not merely a scolding but a forceful presentation of truth designed to bring about conviction and a recognition of guilt, often in a judicial context. This emphasizes the solemnity and certainty of God's forthcoming judgment.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against hypocrisy and superficial religiosity. It challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: True worship is not merely about outward rituals or attendance, but about a heart transformed by God's Word and obedient to His commands (1 Samuel 15:22). We must ensure our private lives align with our public profession of faith.
  • Understand God's Character: We must never assume God is indifferent to sin or that His patience signifies approval. He is holy, just, and omniscient, seeing all things, including the hidden motives of the heart.
  • Live with Accountability: God's "silence" is not eternal. There will be a day of reckoning when all things will be revealed, and every person will give an account. This should motivate us to live righteously and authentically before Him.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 2:4 (14 votes)

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • Romans 2:5 (14 votes)

    But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

  • Isaiah 57:11 (12 votes)

    And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

  • Proverbs 29:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

  • Psalms 94:7 (10 votes)

    Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].

  • Psalms 94:11 (10 votes)

    The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:11 (10 votes)

    Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.