1 To the chief musician, upon Mahalath; an instruction of David.
2 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They have corrupted themselves, they have done abominable iniquity; there is none doing good.
3 God looked down from the heavens upon the sons of men to see if there were any understanding, seeking God.
4 Every one (or all) of them hath departed; together they are become corrupt; there is none doing good, not even one.
5 Have not the workers of iniquity known, eating my people [as] they have eaten bread? They called not upon God.
6 There have they greatly feared [where] no fear was; for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee. Thou hast put [them] to shame, for God hath rejected them.
7 Who will give out of Zion the salvation of Israel? When God turneth the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, Israel shall be glad.
Notes on Psalm 53
There follows another psalm “To the chief musician upon Mahaleth: a psalm of instruction of David.” It is indeed the great folly of man, but most guiltily among the Jews, denying Him to Whom we owe all, Who had above all chosen and favored them. Their fear is to come, whatever their contempt and hatred of God’s people now. As for the righteous they have no reason to fear: God’s judgment will fall on the wicked when least expected. And His word proclaims it across the ages.