Psalms 53:1

PSALM LIII

The sentiments of atheists and deists, who deny Divine

Providence; their character: they are corrupt, foolish,

abominable, and cruel, 1-4;

God fills them with terror, 5;

reproaches these for their oppression of the poor, 5.

The psalmist prays for the restoration of Israel, 6.

NOTES ON PSALM LIII

The title, To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, an instructive Psalm of David. The word מחלת machalath, some translate the president; others, the master or leader of the dance; others, hollow instruments; others, the chorus. A flute pipe, or wind instrument with holes, appears to be what is intended. "To the chief player on the flute;" or, "To the master of the band of pipers."

Verse Psalms 53:1. The fool hath said in his heart] The whole of this Psalm, except a few inconsiderable differences, is the same as the fourteenth; and, therefore, the same notes and analysis may be applied to it; or, by referring to the fourteenth, the reader will find the subject of it amply explained. I shall add a few short notes.

Have done abominable iniquity] Instead of עול avel, evil or iniquity, eight of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. have עלילה alilah, work, which is nearly the same as in Psalms 14:1, c.