Old Testament
Psalms 53
Overview
Psalm 53 is a sobering wisdom psalm on the universal corruption of the human race: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" God looks down from heaven to find anyone who seeks Him and concludes that all have turned aside; none does good, not even one. Yet the psalm ends with a cry for salvation to come out of Zion and the joyful hope of restoration for God's people.
1For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.
2God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.
3Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.
4Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God?
5There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.
6Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.