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53
For the music director. According to Mahalath. A psalm (maskil) of David.* This psalm is almost identical to Psalms 14.
1 Only fools tell themselves, “God doesn't exist.” They are completely immoral, they commit terrible sins, not a single one of them does anything good.
2 God watches from heaven to see if anyone understands, if anyone wants to come to God.
3 They have all fallen away, they are totally depraved; none of them does anything good, not even one.
4 “Won't these people who do evil ever learn? They consume my people as if they were eating bread, and refuse to pray to me.”† These are clearly the words of God so are placed within quotes.
5 They will become completely terrified, more frightened than they have ever been. God will scatter the bones of those who fight against you; you will defeat‡ Or “put them to shame.” them because God has rejected them.
6 If only God's salvation would come from Zion! When God restores§ The term used here is often applied to the return from Exile, but here would apply to the blessings the people would receive when they returned to God. his people, the people of Jacob will celebrate, and the people of Israel will be glad.

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*^ This psalm is almost identical to Psalms 14.

†53:4 These are clearly the words of God so are placed within quotes.

‡53:5 Or “put them to shame.”

§53:6 The term used here is often applied to the return from Exile, but here would apply to the blessings the people would receive when they returned to God.

© 2018 Dr. Jonathan Gallagher