Psalm 14 Study Notes

14:1 The statement that There’s no God affirms practical rather than metaphysical atheism (see note at 10:3-6). The person making this claim is described as the fool (Hb nabal; 1Sm 25:25). This is not someone who was simple or gullible because it was outside his ability to be otherwise, but someone who was willfully ignorant, closing his mind off from God’s wisdom and truth.

14:2 The Lord is depicted as one who, though he resides in heaven, is not ignorant of what happens on earth (11:4-5; 33:13-15). While in actuality God always knows the hearts of all mankind, here he is described in anthropomorphic terms as looking down to evaluate people. For similar terminology, see Gn 11:5; 18:21.

14:3 This verse expands the thought from the end of v. 1 by indicating that the psalmist felt isolated because he seemed to be the only one left who was faithful to the Lord (12:1). Paul used this verse in a more absolute sense that no one among humankind is righteous since all are corrupt (Rm 3:10-12). Paul’s usage is not contradictory to the original verse but extends its imagery to reflect the meaning that no person can claim righteousness apart from that which is given through faith in Jesus Christ.

14:4 The image of wicked people who devour or consume others is found elsewhere (27:2; Pr 30:14). It is perhaps related to the image of wild beasts such as lions that devour their prey (Ps 10:9; 17:12).

14:5-6 Dread is what the wicked bring to God’s people (10:18), but the hope is that God will do the same to them (9:20). The plans of the oppressed will succeed when God frustrates the plans of the wicked (33:10).

14:7 The Hebrew for restores the fortunes of his people is difficult. It is literally “turns with a turning his people.” The Hebrew word for “turn” can also mean “return,” and some understand this to mean the return of captives (perhaps from the exile). Such an event does not seem to fit this context. Here the idea is probably more general and describes God’s blessings on his people.