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14:title–7 Nearly identical to Pss 53; Psalm 14 differs in its use of God’s personal name, Yahweh (yhwh), while Psa 53 uses the general Hebrew word elohim for “God.” This psalm does not fit into a particular genre. It can be considered a wisdom psalm because it uses wisdom terminology including Hebrew words like naval (which can be translated as “fool”; v. 1) and yada' (which may be translated “to know”; v. 4). It also shares similarities with corporate lament psalms as a community of the faithful laments the corruption on earth (see Psa 12). The psalm opens with a description of the fool (v. 1) and continues with Yahweh’s perspective as He looks down on the corruption of humanity (vv. 2–3). It continues with the fate of those who do not call on Yahweh (vv. 4–6) and concludes with a statement of hope for His people (v. 7). |
14:title Of David See note on 3:title.
14:1 The fool says A fool in the ot is primarily someone who rejects God or His ways and chooses evil (Prov 13:19).
They are corrupt The Hebrew word used here, shachat, is also used to describe the earth before the flood (Gen 6:11–13).
They do abominable deeds The psalmist describes the fool’s deeds as abominable (using the Hebrew word ta'av). Elsewhere ta'av is used to describe idolatry (1 Kgs 21:26) and the unfaithfulness of Israel (Ezek 16:52).
14:2 looks down from heaven Yahweh is often presented as dwelling in heaven (Eccl 5:2). Elsewhere in Psalms He is shown as a king seated on His heavenly throne looking down (Ps 11:4).
one who has insight The Hebrew verb used here, sakhal, can mean “to understand” or “to act wisely.” Wisdom in the ot includes a religious or moral aspect since a wise person is characterized by righteousness and obedience (19:7; 37:30).
14:3 There is not one who does good Yahweh’s examination of humanity reveals corruption.
Romans 3:1–20 CNTUOT
14:4 they not know The evildoers’ behavior shows their lack of knowledge.
they who eat my people This idiom refers to oppression (Ps 27:2; Prov 30:14). Those who are faithful to Yahweh call on His name (Ps 18:3; 31:17); refusing to do so is to reject Him (Isa 43:22). Those who do not call on Him ultimately face His anger and punishment (Ps 79:6; Jer 10:25).
14:5 they are very fearful These evildoers will ultimately face Yahweh’s judgment because He is with the righteous.
14:6 You would put to shame The psalmist directs his comments to the foolish evildoers. They seek to oppress the poor, but Yahweh is the refuge of the impoverished. Throughout the Psalms, those who take refuge rejoice in God’s protection (see Ps 11:1 and note).
14:7 from Zion A name for Jerusalem. See note on Isa 1:8; note on Isa 51:3.
Zion Theology EBC Ps—So
returns the fortunes of Refers to lifting someone up from a place of suffering or affliction to a place of prominence or wealth (Job 42:10). The phrase is often used in the Prophets to describe Israel’s return from the exile (Jer 30:18; Hos 6:11; Joel 3:1).
Israel will be happy The restoration of God’s people leads to great joy (Ps 126:1–3).
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