Psalms 53
Big idea: Almost word for word Psalm 14, preserved twice because two different collections each carried a copy — and the small differences are the interesting part. This version uses God where Psalm 14 uses Yahweh, and its fifth verse changes entirely: there they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. A specific siege has been folded into a general truth. The Psalter kept both, without harmonising them.
Psalm 53 repeats an older psalm. Psalm 54 returns to a specific week and a specific betrayal.
53:1–6 — There is no one who does good
Almost word for word Psalm 14, with one systematic change and one different ending: this version uses 'God' where Psalm 14 uses 'Yahweh', which is the editorial signature of the collection it sits in. Reading the two together shows an ancient hymnbook doing what hymnbooks do — the same text, re-set for a different use. The variation in verse 5 is the one that repays attention.
1 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God. 3 Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one. 4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God? 5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them. 6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).