Psalm 50:2

EXPOSITION

Verse 2. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. The Lord is represented not only as speaking to the earth, but as coming forth to reveal the glory of his presence to an assembled universe. God of old dwelt in Zion among his chosen people, but here the beams of his splendour are described as shining forth upon all nations. The sun was spoken of in the first verse, but here is a far brighter sun. The majesty of God is most conspicuous among his own elect, but is not confined to them; the church is not a dark lantern, but a candlestick. God shines not only in Zion, but out of her. She is made perfect in beauty by his indwelling, and that beauty is seen by all observers when the Lord shines forth from her.

Observe how with trumpet voice and flaming ensign the infinite Jehovah summons the heavens and the earth to hearken to his word.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 1-5. -- See Psalms on "Psalms 50:1" for further information.

Verse 2. Out of Zion, the perfection of God's beauty hath shined; or, God has caused the perfection of beauty to shine out of Zion. Martin Geier.

Verse 2. God hath shined. Like the sun in his strength, sometimes for the comfort of his people, as Psalms 80:1 ; sometimes for the terror of evil doers, as Psalms 94:1 , and here. But evermore God is terrible out of his holy places. Psalms 68:35 89:7. John Trapp.

Verse 2. God hath shined. The proper meaning of ([py) is to scatter rays from afar, and from a lofty place, and to glitter. It is a word of a grand sound, says Ch. Schultens, which is always used of a magnificent and flashing light ... It is apparently used of the splendid symbol of God's presence, as in Deuteronomy 34:2 , where he is said to scatter beams from Mount Paran. From which it is manifest that it may refer to the pillar of cloud and fire, the seat of the Divine Majesty conspicuous on Mount Sinai, or on the tabernacle, or the loftiest part of the temple. Hermann Venema.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 1-6.

1. The court called in the name of the King of kings.
2. The judgment set, and the judge taking his seat.
3. The parties summoned; Psalms 50:8 .
4. The issue of this solemn trial foretold; Psalms 50:6 . Matthew Henry.

Verse 1-15.

1. God's call to man.
2. Man's call to God.

Verse 2.

1. The internal beauty of Zion.
   1. Positive beauty of wisdom -- holiness -- love.
2. Comparative with the beauty of Paradise and the heaven of angels.
3. Superlative -- all the perfections of God combined.
4. Its external glory. Out of it God hath shined.
   1. On this world.
   2. On gracious souls.
   3. On angels who desire to look, etc.
   4. On the universe. "All the creatures heard I," etc.