1
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.
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OLD TESTAMENT
All chapters Psalms 53
The Holy Bible · EnglishOpen an explanation beneath verses with notes. Your notes and highlights stay on this device.
2
God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. Ziph lay to the south of Juda. Bible.—David was rescued from the most imminent danger, by an irruption of the Philistines. He then composed this canticle, expressing his sentiments in danger, and his gratitude to God. Calmet.—It may also be used by any person in distress. Worthington.—The Church orders it to be said by her ministers at Prime, that they may be protected from all their spiritual enemies. Bert.—The Fathers apply it to Jesus Christ, (S. Hil.) or to his persecuted members. Saint Augustine
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3
Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Name, which is a strong tower, (Proverbs 18:10. Calmet.) event thyself. Hence it is so criminal to take it in vain. Bert.—Judge. Ancient psalters have, “deliver.” Saul and the Zipheans persecute me unjustly. I commit my cause to thee. Bible.—Defend me for the justice of my cause. Worthington.
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4
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God?
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5
There 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.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 5. Strangers. Barbarous, ( Worthington.) enemies, though of the same tribe. Calmet.—Hostis dicebatur quem nunc peregrinum dicimus. Cic. Off. i.—The devil and our passions, as well as the world, are such to us. Bert.
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6
Oh 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.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 6. Behold. He admires how God delivered him, though Saul seemed to have only one step more to take. Jesus Christ was secure amid the persecutions of the Jews, till he was pleased to deliver himself up. John 10:18. Calmet.
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