Psalm 50:1-23
Q.1. What was the basis of the Covenant? What will be the testimony of the saints regarding God’s character? How does this help us when we pray? – (Ps.50:1-6)
The Covenant with Abraham to bless him, his descendants, and all nations, was actioned by the Lord while the patriarch slept. It was strengthened by God with an oath (Gen.15:12-18; 22:15-19; Heb.6:13-18). Here Asaph focused on Israel’s covenant, made at Sinai with sacrifices – He summons the heavens above, and the earth, to judge His people – “Gather My godly ones to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” (Ps.50:4-5 c.f. Exo.24:3-8). He recalled how – 1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken, and summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth (Ps.50:1-2 c.f. Exo.20:1-21; 24:3-11). The Lord gave the Law, and eventually designated Mount Zion as the centre of Israel’s festivals and worship. These Laws by which He upholds the universe, declare His righteousness (Ps.50:6).
Q.2. Why is routine religious worship unworthy of God? How should we approach the living God? With what kind of sacrifice is He pleased? – (Ps.50:7-15)
Asaph lamented that Israel’s worship had deteriorated into religious sham. He reminded them about God’s uniqueness, that – 10 “every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 “I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine. 12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all it contains (Ps.50:10-12). All our sacrifices add nothing to God (Ps.50:8-9), UNLESS they – “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most-High; 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honour Me.” (Ps.50:14-15 c.f. Heb.13:15-16). Sacrifice must be offered with the right heart attitude.
Q.3. What attitude and actions are displayed by the wicked? Will God remain silent forever? For what kind of person does God have regard? – (Ps.50:16-23)
Asaph continued to address the failures of God’s covenant people. He described as wicked, those who – 16 take My covenant in your mouth.17 “For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you (Ps.50:16-17). He documented all their sins – their support of thieves, their association with adulterers, and their deceitful and slanderous activities (Ps.50:18-20). Since God had not intervened, they imagined that God excused their violations of the covenant – These things you have done, and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you (Ps.50:21). However, a Day of Reckoning is coming when – I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes (Ps.50:21). The Lord will distinguish between the godly and ungodly – “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honours Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” (Ps.51:23).