Psalms 50:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 50:17
17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.
Chapter Context
Psalms 50 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, creation, covenant. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 50:17
17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.
Analysis
The root problem: 'Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.' Despite reciting statutes, the wicked person hates the instruction those statutes contain. Casting words 'behind thee' means treating them as irrelevant, passed over, ignored. Scripture quoted is Scripture ignored.
Historical Context
Israel's history included periods of external religious observance while internally rejecting God's authority. The book of the law could be forgotten even while the temple functioned (2 Kings 22).
Reflection
- How can we 'hate instruction' while knowing Scripture?
- What does casting God's words 'behind thee' look like practically?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Word: Nehemiah 9:26, Jeremiah 8:9
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 14:9, Proverbs 1:7, 8:36, 12:1, Jeremiah 18:12, John 3:20