otcanon
Psalms 53
A near-duplicate of Psalm 14, Psalm 53 repeats the diagnostic: universal human corruption seen from heaven, where Jehovah finds none seeking Him. The workers of iniquity consume the covenant people without calling upon God, and their confidence collapses when Jehovah scatters them — fear where there was no cause to fear, rout where they thought themselves secure. The psalm closes on the one longing that redeems the whole dark canvas: salvation coming out of Zion for the captivity of Jacob. That cry is not abstract; it is the gathering-cry, pointing toward the day when the remnant of Joseph is restored and the covenant people rejoice.
1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
5
There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
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.
