Psalm 52

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. The godless. (1-4)

A. Boast in mischief.

B. Ignore the continual goodness of God.

C. Have an evil tongue:

1. It devises mischief.

2. It is like a sharp razor.

3. It is devouring.

4. It is deceitful.

5. It loves evil more than good.

6. It prefers lying rather than righteousness.

7. It speaks devouring worlds.

II. God’s response to the godless. (5)

A. He will destroy them forever.

B. He shall take them away.

C. He will pluck them out of their dwelling place.

D. He will root them out of the land of the living.

III A contrast of their destinies: The godly will witness the judgment on the godless. (6-7)

A. Seeing it.

B. Fearing it.

C. Laughing at it.

D. Realizing it has occurred because the godless:

1. Did not make God his strength.

2. Trusted in his riches.

3. Strengthened himself in his wickedness.

IV. The godly. (8-9)

A. Are like a green olive tree in the house of God.

B. Trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

C. Praise God forever because He has done it.

D. Wait on God’s name, for it is good.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 52,3(1) חֶסֶד אֵל {B} MT, Hebr, T // err-voc: G / paraphr: S

Ps 52,9(7) בְּהַוָּתוֹ {A} MT, Qc, G, α', σ', Hebr // exeg: S, T

Ps 52,11(9) וַאֲקַוֶּה {A}