Psalm 53 Study Notes

Ps 53 title Mahalath may be related to a Hebrew word meaning “sickness.” It is unclear whether it refers to a song tune or a musical form. On Maskil, see note at Ps 32 title.

53:1-4 These verses are essentially the same as 14:1-4 (see notes at 14:1,2,3,4).

53:5 This verse includes a more extended image of God’s judgment on the wicked than 14:5-6. Scattering bones often pictures the dead on the battlefield (141:7; Jr 8:1-2; Ezk 6:5; 37:1-6).

53:6 On Israel’s deliverance, see note at 14:7.