Psalms 50:1-23

The title (A PsALM of Asaph) is discussed in Intro, to Book 3, where the other Pss. of Asaph are found. The present Ps. is one of solemn warning to those who attempt to serve God by formal sacrifices while their lives are full of wickedness. God will come to judge His people (Psalms 50:1). He tells the formalists that He does not need animal sacrifices (Psalms 50:7), and asks for praise, obedience, and prayer (Psalms 50:14). He reproves the hypocrites for their sins (Psalms 50:16) and ends with a call to repentance (Psalms 50:21) and a promise of salvation to true worshippers (Psalms 50:22). The teaching of the Ps. is that of the great prophets of the 8th and 7th centuries b.c., and it is probably to be assigned to that period.