Psalms 14 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments
  • Psalms 14:1 open_in_new

    The fool is a character who in Scripture is marked by wickedness as well as by what we call folly. His defect is moral as well as mental. In his heart] His denial is a practical one, and he really acts upon it, whatever he may say or think that he believes. There is no God] cp. Psalms 12:4; Psalms 11; Psalms 13.

  • Psalms 14:1-7 open_in_new

    This Ps., like Psalms 12, gives a picture of a corrupt state of society in which God is ignored, and His people are oppressed. David's authorship is not absolutely disproved by Psalms 14:7, which some have regarded as a later addition, and where, in any case, 'bring back the captivity' may only mean 'restore the fortunes.' Though God is denied (Psalms 14:1), He really sees (Psalms 14:2), speaks (Psalms 14:3), and acts (Psalms 14:4). The Ps. reappears with some variations as Psalms 53; Psalms 14:1-3 are quoted in Romans 3:10-12.

  • Psalms 14:4 open_in_new

    God speaks in surprise at the folly of the wicked. Eat up my people as they eat bread] conduct at once rapacious and unconcerned.

    Call not upon the lord] Such wickedness is naturally prayerless.

    The Septuagint (LXX), Vulgate, and Syriac versions insert between Psalms 14:4 and Psalms 14:5 four verses which are retained in the PBV q.v. They were probably inserted first as a marginal note in some codices, being quoted from Romans 3:10-18 as an illustration of this passage, and so ultimately found their way into the text of some MSS.

  • Psalms 14:5 open_in_new

    There were they in great fear] a sudden mention of God's interference. Some historical event, like the destruction of Pharaoh's host, seems to be in the writer's mind.

  • Psalms 14:6 open_in_new

    RM 'Ye put to shame the counsel (i.e. the righteous thoughts) of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.' 'The poor' are the afflicted righteous: see Psalms 9:12.

  • Psalms 14:7 open_in_new

    Out of Zion] Zion is regarded as God's dwelling-place, from which He sends forth His help: see Psalms 3:4; Bringeth back the captivity] The phrase may have the general sense of 'restoring prosperity to,' and need not refer to the Babylonian exile: see Job 42:10. Jacob, like 'Israel,' is a name for the nation