Psalm 14 Study Notes

14:4 The image of wicked people who devour or consume others is found elsewhere (27:2; Pr 30:14). It is perhaps related to the image of wild beasts such as lions that devour their prey (Ps 10:9; 17:12).

14:5-6 Dread is what the wicked bring to God’s people (10:18), but the hope is that God will do the same to them (9:20). The plans of the oppressed will succeed when God frustrates the plans of the wicked (33:10).

14:7 The Hebrew for restores the fortunes of his people is difficult. It is literally “turns with a turning his people.” The Hebrew word for “turn” can also mean “return,” and some understand this to mean the return of captives (perhaps from the exile). Such an event does not seem to fit this context. Here the idea is probably more general and describes God’s blessings on his people.