The title to this psalm is the same essentially as the title to Psalms 42:1-11; Psalms 44; Psalms 45; Psalms 46:1-11; Psalms 47:1-9. On the meaning of the terms occurring in the title, see the notes at the title to Psalms 42:1-11.
The “author” of the psalm is unknown. There is no evidence that it was composed by David; and, in fact, the presumption is that he was not the author, as his name is not prefixed to it.
It is, of course, impossible to ascertain the “occasion” on which it was composed. It would seem from the psalm itself (see the notes at Psalms 49:5) that it was written in view of some evil or wrong which the author was suffering from rich oppressors, and that he sought consolation in his trials from the reflections which he makes in the psalm - to wit, from the fact that wealth constitutes no security - that it gives no permanence to the projects of its owners and that it really possesses no “power” in carrying out the plans of those who abuse it to purposes of oppression and wrong. The wealthy man, no matter how great his possessions may be, cannot redeem a brother from the grave; he cannot save himself from the tomb; he cannot make his possessions permanent in his family; he cannot take his riches with him when he dies. There is really, therefore, nothing to “fear” from the man of wealth, for whatever such a man can do must be temporary. The higher interests of the soul cannot be affected permanently by anything so uncertain and transitory as riches. It is not improbable that this train of thought was suggested by an actual occurrence in the life of the psalmist, whoever he was; but the reflections are of universal importance in regard to riches considered as a means of power, and to their real value as it respects the great interests of man.
The contents of the psalm are as follows:
I. An introduction, calling attention to the general subject as worthy of the consideration of all classes of persons, both low and high; as conveying lessons of wisdom; and as being the result of much reflection, Psalms 49:1-4.
II. The main subject in the psalm, or the point to be illustrated; to wit, “that the righteous have no reason to be afraid when rich oppressors compass them around; or when the rich oppress and wrong them,” Psalms 49:5.
III. Reasons for this; or, reasons why those who are possessed of wealth, and who glory in the self-importance derived from wealth, should not be feared, Psalms 49:6-20.
(1) No one can by his riches save another - not even his own brother - from the grave, for all (whatever may be their condition) must die, and leave their wealth to others, Psalms 49:6-10.
(2) They cannot, by any wisdom or skill make their possessions “permanent,” or secure, Psalms 49:11-12.
(3) They will not learn wisdom on this subject from the experience of the past, but the coming generation is as foolish as the one that went before, Psalms 49:13.
(4) All must go down to the grave, however rich they may be, Psalms 49:14.
(5) There is a better hope for the righteous, and though he goes down to the grave, he will live hereafter, Psalms 49:15.
(6) The rich can carry none of their wealth with them when they go to the grave. All must be left behind, and pass into the hands of others, Psalms 49:16-20. The conclusion from the whole, therefore, is, that we should not be “afraid” when one is made rich - when the glory of his house is increased, for the possession of wealth by another, though an enemy, gives him no such permanent power as to make him an object of dread. In our real, our highest interests, we must be safe, whatever the rich oppressor may do.