Psalm 14

Introduction.—Ps. 14 presents a highly compressed picture of general moral decadence in a godless world, with the assurance that God is with the righteous. The psalm appears again with slight variations as Ps. 53 (see comments there).

On the superscription see p. 616.

1. Fool. Heb. nabal, a person deficient either morally or intellectually, or both. The nabal here seems to be one who lacks wisdom, a knowledge of moral values, spiritual insight—one who is color blind to moral and religious values—one who is a materialist, judging values by size and power. The best commentary on the “fool” is the book of Proverbs.

There is no God. The fool may profess God for social and business purposes, but “in his heart” there is no room for a belief in God (see Rom. 1:20, 21).

None that doeth good. The picture is one of total depravity, emphasized by the following verses. Sections of vs. 1–3 are quoted by Paul to prove that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin (Rom. 3:10–12).

2. Looked down. A picture of God, contrary to the fool’s claims (v. 1), bending over the ramparts of heaven to scrutinize the activities of mortals (see Ps. 102:19). The world seems ripe for judgment, as in Noah’s time (see Gen. 6:12; cf. Gen. 11:5; 18:21).

3. Gone aside. That is, from the right path.

Become filthy. Heb. Хalach, related to an Arabic root used of milk turning sour. The root word is used elsewhere only in Job 15:16 and in the parallel of Ps. 53:3. Verse 3 parallels v. 1.

4. No knowledge. The question of this verse is put into the mouth of God. Is it possible that men are so low in understanding as to think that God can overlook their depravity and not punish them?

My people. The remnant, “the generation of the righteous,” of v. 5. The psalmist identifies himself with God’s people, his own family, his own friends.

Call not upon the Lord. They do not acknowledge God. Since they do not believe in Him, how can they call upon Him (see Rom. 10:14)? Verse 4 stands parallel to v. 2.

5. There. That is, at the place where they were in the midst of their evildoing. When God arises as a God of judgment, terror seizes them.

Generation of the righteous. God helps and protects those who are righteous in His sight. On “generation,” see Ps. 12:7; cf. Ps. 24:6; 73:15. In Ugaritic (see p. 618) the word thus translated also has the meaning “assemblage,” or “dwelling.” Such may be the meaning here.

6. Poor. The wicked, who do not believe in God, have derided, mocked the plans and purposes of the poor who trust Him.

7. Zion. See on Ps. 2:6. Zion is frequently spoken of as the dwelling of God, from which He rules as sovereign of the world.

Bringeth back the captivity. This phrase does not necessarily refer to a specific literal captivity. The Hebrews were often in a state of exile (see Judges), and this language came to be the common method of expressing a restoration from a condition of oppression or a low state of religious values (see Job 42:10; Eze. 16:53; Hosea 6:11; Amos 9:14).

Jacob. This name is frequently combined with “Israel” (see Ps. 78:21, 71; 105:23). “Jacob” is another name for the Hebrew people, occurring throughout the OT (see Isa. 2:3; Amos 7:2). On “Israel,” see on Gen. 32:28. Beginning with a picture of universal godlessness, the psalm closes with a protestation of hope in ultimate salvation for Israel.

Ellen G. White comments

1 COL 258; GC 275