PSALM 50:1-6

We come to begin our study this week of Psalm 50. The title of this Psalm is ‘A Psalm of Asaph’. I find from my study that there are three Asaphs in the Bible. One was a singer, one a secretary or recorder, and one a seer or proclaimer of truth.  Twelve of the Psalms bear his name. I do not know if this Psalm was written by him or dedicated to him. It matters not if he wrote it as a poet, sung it as a singer, or preached it as a preacher. Most great songs come from preachers. They are usually song with depth and teach Bible doctrine. It is a Psalm of summons or declaration.

            In verse 1 I see ‘The Who Of The Summons’. Someone has stepped forward and called the whole earth to attention. From everywhere the sun rises unto where the sun sets. He is given three titles in verse 1; mighty, God, and the LORD. They are the words El, Elohim, and Jehovah. These three titles connected with the verb ‘hath spoken’ give the distinct impression that He speaks of the great mystery of the Trinity. Only the authority of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost could call all the world to attention. I cannot imagine such a day when the entire world will give Him their undivided attention.

            In verses 2-3 I find ‘The How Of The Summons’. He shall come out of Zion. This has been His abode from everlasting to everlasting. The text tells us that God hath shined. The indication is He has shined before in the perfection of beauty. Surely this would speak of His shining forth through His church. This coming in verse 3 will not be obvious to the Church alone. God will not be silent but speaks to all. He will come with such brightness it will out do the sun of verse 1. He will come with the brightness of a devouring fire. The word used here ‘tempestuous’ means to come like a whirlwind that causes all to shiver with fear. I do not think this will be a fun time or a simple fireside chat. More than likely it will be a separation of professors from possessors, goat from sheep, and lost from saved. Can you bear to see those close to you sentenced to everlasting torment in a place called Hell?

            In verses 4 and 5 I find ‘The Where Of The Summons’. It seems from verse 4 that He will call two witnesses to witness at this judgment. He will call for some from heaven above and below the earth. They will come from Heaven and Hell to witness as He judges His people. The word ‘judge’ means to execute the demands of the law. Friend, can you stand for that day to come? It will not be a Sunday School picnic for the child of God let alone for the lost. No wonder Paul said knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men. Let us spend much time in persuading man to prepare to meet thy God. His people are called by the name ‘saints’ in verse 5. It is a word for the set aside ones. He said, they made a covenant agreement with Him based on a blood sacrifice. Because of this covenant I will not be judged for my sins but only for my works. To God be the glory.

            In verse 6 I find ‘The Why From The Summons’. He has assembled all together for one reason and that is that the heavens might declare His righteousness. Let me remind us that His righteousness is not a thing but a person. Paul said ‘Christ is made unto us righteousness.’ The Heavens will declare who Christ is to all that are assembled here. I have no doubt this may be the place where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. My what a scene! This section ends with the word ‘Selah’. The word means to stop and think upon these things. In the words of John Phillips who said Selah means, ‘Well, what do you think about that.’

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