Bible in one year 8/26/ 2022 Psalm 49-50 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Bible in one year 8/26/ 2022  Psalm 49-50

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling 

            Psalm 49 This wisdom psalm, written to instruct men rather than to praise God, calls on the world to hear the truth (vv.1-4) concerning the temporary glory and false security of the wicked rich(vv.5-14), whose doom is certain, in contrast to the everlasting hope of the righteous (vv.15-20). Man cannot purchase from God additional days in order to extend his life (vv.7-9). Verse 12 does not deal with the question of life after death, but with the fact that the hope of wicked men are restricted to this lfe. Death will guide them directly to Sheol.(Gen.37:35). The righteous will ultimately triumph over the wicked, either in this life or in the life to come (morning). God pays the ransom, which man could not pay (v.7-8).

Psalm 49:1-20 A psalm of the Sons of Korah

 Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: (vv.1-4).

Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me—those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him. The ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough that he should live on  forever and not see decay. (v.5-9).

For all can see that wise  men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. (vv.10-11).

But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. (vv.12-13).

Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. (vv.14-15)

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—and men praise you when you prosper –he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.(vv.16-19).

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (v.20).

 Psalm 50 This warning from Asaph reports an appearance of God for judgment (vv.1-6) and presents God’s indictment of His people for insincere sacrifices (vv.7-13), with instruction for correction(vv.14-15), and His indictment for unethical practices (vv.16-21), with instruction for correction (vv.22-23).  Verses 5 my consecrated ones, I.e., Israel, with whom God made the Mosaic covenant (Ex.24:7) and whom He accuses(v.7). Verses 8-13, God does not reprove them for failing to bring their offerings (v.8), but for bringing them with the motive of trying to make the God who with the motive of trying to make the God who owns everything dependent on their generosity. Verses 16-17 God now accuses them of giving lip service to His laws(v.16) while violating them (v.17). Details are listed in verses 18-20.

Psalm 50:1-23 A psalm of Asaph

The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge.(vv.1-6).

Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. (vv.7-10)

I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? (vv.11-13).

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. (vv.14-15).

But to the wicked, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. (vv.16-18).

You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you, But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.(vv.19-21).

Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescure: He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. (vv.22-23).

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.