Psalm 53: The Fool Hath Said, There Is No God
A short psalm on universal corruption and the longed-for salvation of Israel.
Psalm 53 opens with the blunt line, 'The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God,' describing people as corrupt and abominable in their iniquity. It largely parallels Psalm 14, and follows the olive-tree confidence of Psalms 52.
To the Overseer. -- `On a disease.' -- An instruction, by David. A fool said in his heart, `There is no God.' They have done corruptly, Yea, they have done abominable iniquity, There is none doing good.
God from the heavens looked on the sons of men, To see if there be an understanding one, `One' seeking God.
Every one went back, together they became filthy, There is none doing good -- not even one.
Have not workers of iniquity known, Those eating my people have eaten bread, God they have not called.
There they feared a fear -- there was no fear, For God hath scattered the bones of him Who is encamping against thee, Thou hast put to shame, For God hath despised them.
Who doth give from Zion the salvation of Israel? When God turneth back `to' a captivity of His people, Jacob doth rejoice -- Israel is glad!