Day 117

Psalm 53: Read here – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2053&version=NASB

This psalm is essentially a repetition of Psalm 14, with a few small modifications, probably intended to give faith and courage to Israel in the midst of a national challenge, such as the threat of invasion or a siege.

David looked at those who denied the existence of God in v1 and came to the conclusion that they are fools. The idea behind this ancient Hebrew word translated fool is more moral than intellectual. David did not have in mind those not smart enough to figure God out (no one is that smart); he had in mind those who simply reject God.

David says this because of the plain evidence that there is a God, evidence in both creation and human conscience that Paul described in Romans 1. The fact that some men insist on denying the existence of God does not erase God from the universe; it instead speaks to their own standing as fools. As Paul wrote in Romans 1:22, Professing to be wise, they became fools. There are powerful arguments for the existence of God but the ‘fool’ will not consider them.

Which is cause, and which is effect? Does atheism result from folly, or folly from atheism? It would be perfectly correct to say that each is cause and each is effect.

The phrasing of said in his heart also reminds us that it is possible for one to say in his mind that there is a God, yet deny it in his heart and life. One may believe in God in theory, yet be a practical atheist in the way he lives.

David then considers the result of denying God. It leads men into corruption and abominable iniquity (injustice NASB).

While humanity may wish to forget about God, God never forgets about humanity. He is always observing man, ‘looking down from heaven upon the children of men’ (v2). These words remind us of God descending from heaven to observe the folly of those building the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:5) or looking down upon the wickedness of the race prior to his judgment by the flood. There is one final judgment to come.