Psalms 52:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 52:5
5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
Chapter Context
Psalms 52 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, hope, discipleship. 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 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 52:5
5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
Analysis
The divine response: 'God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living.' Four verbs of destruction: destroy, take away, pluck out, root out. The punishment matches the crime--the devourer is devoured, the uprooter is uprooted.
Historical Context
Divine judgment on the wicked often involved removal from the land, the sign of covenant curse. Being 'rooted out' meant the end of family line and memory.
Reflection
- How does the punishment fit the crime in this verse?
- What does it mean to be 'rooted out of the land of the living'?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 27:13, Proverbs 2:22, Revelation 21:8