Bible Commentaries

NOTES.

David describes the universal depravity of mankind, and the enmity of the wicked against the people of God, 1- 6. He longs and prays for the salvation of Israel, 7

Psalm 14:1-7.

V:1. This psalm is thought to have been written on occasion of Absalom's rebellion, and the people's defection from their aged and pious king; and the mention of Zion, as the place whence salvation was to come (71), shews that it was composed some time after David came to the kingdom over all Israel. From the degeneracy of Israel shewn in that instance, the Psalmist takes occasion to lament the entire depravity of human nature : and the psalm is almost entirely the same as the fifty-third.

The word fool (h:) in scripture, denotes one who not only is destitute of true Romans 1:28-32.)

V:2 , 3. Upon the strictest scrutiny, the all-seeing Judge could not find one of the children of men, who understood his obligations, duty, and interest, or that sought the favour and glory of the Lord. All were turned aside from the right way; nto different ways of disobedience : all were become filthy and corrupt, or putrid, in his sight : not one could be found disposed to do that which is spiritually good. This must be understood of man left to himself, man as he is by nature, without regeneration : and St. Paul quotes the passage to prove the need which both Jews and Gentiles have of redemption and salvation by grace, and through faith in Christ. (Notes, Romans 3:9-20.) Between this verse and that which follows, three verses are inserted in the version used in the common Prayer Book, which are taken from some copies of the Septuagint : for in other copies they are not found, any more than in the Hebrew and Syriack. The apostle in the third chapter of John 15:17-21. Acts 8:1; Acts 26:9-11.) Yet, when they would cast off the fear of God, they become slaves to various terrors; and often add one crime to another, from fear of offending their fellow-creatures, or to avoid the consequences of their former misconduct. Whereas God dwells among the righteous, to protect them from dangers and alarms. The Psalmist having stated these general principles, remonstrates with his insulting enemies, for deriding the counsel of the poor believer, who makes the Lord his refuge : when their own inward terrors evince, thai they cannot find security and comfort elsewhere.

V:7- The more fully and deeply David experienced and witnessed the depravity of 1 Chronicles 16:34-36. 2 Timothy 2:23-26.)

Salvation.] nearly the same as JESUS. (Note, Matthew 1:20-21.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

All the wickedness of men's words and actions springs from the corrupt fountain of their hearts: and if the thoughts of ungodly persons were detected and published, (as they will be at the day of judgment,) how vile would they appear! (Note, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5.) Infidelity and iniquity have a reciprocal influence on each other; and they are progressive, till men's foolish hearts become darkened, and atheism is conceived and promulgated. Men differ in their peculiar propensities and outward characters : but they are all naturally carnal, alienated from God, destitute of true Romans 11:11-15.) But in heaven alone shall the whole company of the redeemed rejoice, without alloy or interruption for evermore.