Psalms 50:1
The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֤ל׀
The mighty
H410
אֵ֤ל׀
The mighty
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
1 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֱֽלֹהִ֡ים
God
H430
אֱֽלֹהִ֡ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יְֽהוָ֗ה
even the LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
even the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 10
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַיִּקְרָא
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 10
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שֶׁ֝֗מֶשׁ
of the sun
H8121
שֶׁ֝֗מֶשׁ
of the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
8 of 10
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
Cross References
Psalms 113:3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.Joshua 22:22The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)Matthew 25:32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:Amos 3:8The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?Isaiah 1:2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.Nehemiah 9:6Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Historical Context
The threefold divine naming intensifies solemnity. God speaks as cosmic Creator and covenant Lord, addressing not just Israel but all creation as audience and witness to divine lawsuit.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the psalm use three divine names in succession?
- What does calling 'from the rising of the sun unto the going down' indicate about God's scope of authority?
Analysis & Commentary
The majestic introduction: 'The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.' Three divine names (El, Elohim, Yahweh) emphasize God's comprehensive sovereignty. He summons the whole earth--universal jurisdiction for universal judgment.