Psalms 50:1-23
Psalms 49:1-20 reminds all the inhabitants of the world of the brevity and emptiness of riches and honours, these two poles of attraction for men of all times. In Psalms 50:1-23 God addresses His people Israel (v. 7) to show them the uselessness of animal sacrifices. These can by no means redeem the soul, nor "make the comers thereunto perfect". By one sacrifice alone, God has sealed His covenant with Israel (v. 5; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 10:10). In return, what He now expects from all His own is praise (vv. 14, 23; Hebrews 13:15).
The short v. 15 summarises the story of our deliverance. First there is prayer; then the divine answer which is assured to us; finally our thanksgiving (thou shalt glorify me) – alas! how often we forget this. Let us put our trust in God; let us call upon Him and He will fulfil His promise!
In vv. 16-22, God warns the wicked man, but he while having his mouth full of pious words, denies them in practice and hates correction. Let us be sure that we are not like him!
Notice once again the sublime introduction (vv. 1, 2) which, as is often the case, gives us the theme of the psalm: God is speaking to the earth to reveal to it His splendour in the Person of Christ, the sovereign Judge and glorious King in Zion.