Psalm 52:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.

Traditional

To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

Literal

For the one directing. A Maskil of David, in the coming of Doeg the Edomite, when he announced to Saul and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God is all the day.

Latin

In finem. Intellectus David, cum venit Doëg Idumæus, et nuntiavit Sauli: Venit David in domum Achimelech. Quid gloriaris in malitia, qui potens es in iniquitate?

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.

Notes

Psalms 52:1

The accuser, Doeg the Edomite, is an example of a person who chose to do evil.

Psalms 52:1–4

Liars deceive themselves by thinking they can be heroes with their words. They see themselves as innocent, even though they love evil and cause harm. Those who speak curses, sarcasm, bitterness, arrogant boasting, and lies (Psalms 31:18; 34:13; 59:7, 12; 120:2–3; 140:3, 9) create chaos, isolation, and destruction (James 3:5). Their sharp words cut like swords and daggers (Psalms 55:21; 57:4; 64:3), the fangs of a snake (140:3), or a razor.

Psalms 52:1–9

Wicked people use words to destroy relationships and communities. They foolishly think that they can be heroes by their words (Psalm 52:1–4), but their downfall comes suddenly (52:5–7). In contrast, the godly renew their commitment to the Lord (Psalm 52:8–9) and find security in their future with him.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Psalm 103:17
But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—
Psalm 94:4
They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.
Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
1 Samuel 21:7
Now one of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the LORD. And his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief shepherd for Saul.
Proverbs 6:14
With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
Isaiah 59:4
No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.
Psalm 137:1–2
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
Psalm 7:14
Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood.
Genesis 10:8–9
Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on the earth.
Psalm 36:3–6
The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
2 Timothy 3:2
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
1 Samuel 22:9–19
But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob.

Parallels

1 Samuel 22:6–23

People

Ahimelech: High Priest at Nob who helped David, killed by Saul David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Doeg: Edomite chief shepherd who betrayed David to Saul LORD: Names or title used to refer to God Maskil: A musical or literary term in the Psalms Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Places

Edom: Descendants of Esau; enemy nation southeast of Israel

Glossary

Ahimelech Boast David Doeg Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Boasting of Evil Boasting: Spiritual David: King of Israel: At This Time Probably Writes David: King of Israel: Probably Writes Psalms Eleven at This Period of his Life Deceit: Doeg Doeg: An Edomite, Present when Ahimelech Helped David God: Goodness of Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Music: Maschil: This Musical Sign Occurs in the Titles of Psalms: Didactic The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Enduring The Rich: General Scriptures Concerning Wicked (People): Described

Psalm 52:1

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