Psalms 50:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 50:12
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Chapter Context
Psalms 50 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, judgment, worship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 50:12
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Analysis
The reductio ad absurdum: 'If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.' The hypothetical is absurd--God is not hungry. But even if He were, He wouldn't depend on humans. The whole world belongs to Him; all its fullness is at His disposal.
Historical Context
This verse directly contradicts pagan feeding-the-gods theology. Yahweh cannot be manipulated by offering what He doesn't need from a world He entirely owns.
Reflection
- Why does God pose the hypothetical of being hungry?
- How does divine self-sufficiency transform our understanding of worship?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 10:14, Job 41:11