Psalms 50 Footnotes

Ps 50 Asaph, probably David’s chief musician (1Ch 16:5), portrays the appearance (“in radiance,” i.e., shining) of the Lord. He comes in all his glory and beauty to judge the people, particularly with respect to their worship practices. This “prophetic psalm” is cast as a trial; God is the Judge (v. 6), his covenant people are the defendants (v. 5), and the heavens and earth are witnesses (v. 4). God is a devouring fire (v. 3), for he does not tolerate anything that does not meet his standards.

50:22 To “forget God” is to live as if he had no claims on their lives—no repentance, no obedience, no proper worship. This is the description of fools (14:1).