This psalm and Psalm 14 (see our study) are almost identical in the English. The Hebrew uses a different name for God. Psalm 14 uses Jehovah (יְֽהוָה) three times and Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) four times. Psalm 53 uses Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) each of the seven times it refers to God. However, this change does not occur in verse one or verse five. Verse one of both psalms contain Elohim (אֱלֹהִים). I believe this occurs because the fool says there is absolutely no god (Elohim [אֱלֹהִים])which would include the God of Israel (Jehovah [יְֽהוָה]). The major change is in Psalm 53.5. Compare it to Psalm 14.5-6. This could have been intentional for the purpose set forth in the occasion of the psalm.
This psalm can be a reflection of the state of our country in this generation. This psalm describes trying to rule without God and without His standards for life.
There are four types of people mentioned in this psalm who live a life that denies the reality of God. They are the foolish person who flatly denies there is even a possibility of a god (1), the lazy person who does not take the effort to know God (2), the person who pursues his own desires, he is called perverse (3), and the person who lives life as if there is no consequence for action, they devour all in their path (4). I see this as our society today. God’s judgement is cast. For those who choose to live a life as if there were no God, he will be put to shame (5). For those who choose to live the life God created for them to live, He brings blessings (6).
Genesis 6.5 describes the wickedness of people before the Flood. The word used to describe them is the same word used here, which is corrupt (1).
Psalm 53.2 tells us that God looks down. This is an interesting phrase and occurs elsewhere in the Scriptures. Here is a listing from the Psalms:
- Psalm 11.4-5-He judges between the righteous and the wicked (see our study)
- Psalm 14.2 and 53.2-He sees if anyone seeks God (see above for our studies)
- Psalm 33.13-15-He considers the works of people (see our study)
- Psalm 80.14-He restores the vine (Israel) which He has planted (see our study to come)
- Psalm 102.19-20-He hears prisoners and brings freedom to those condemned to death (see our study)
God does look down from His throne and has come down in Christ. He came for salvation and He will come for judgement. If you have not accepted the first, you are in danger of the second. Where do you stand today?
The people who do not acknowledge that there is a God live on a path toward destruction. They will not be saved from their sins, because they do not call on God, and therefore will suffer the consequences.