Psalms 50:4

Authorized King James Version

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִקְרָ֣א
H7121
He shall call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
H8064
to the heavens
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#4
מֵעָ֑ל
H5920
from above
properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e., god); also (adverb) aloft, to jehovah
#5
וְאֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הָ֝אָ֗רֶץ
H776
and to the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
לָדִ֥ין
H1777
that he may judge
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
#8
עַמּֽוֹ׃
H5971
his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of covenant community reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection