Psalm 14

This psalm and Psalm 53 are almost identical.

The failures of human beings that he experienced and the knowledge that God will judge folly and corruption led David to long for the establishment of God's kingdom on the earth. The psalmist's perspective was very broad in this psalm. He spoke of the godly and the ungodly, and he noted their antagonism throughout history.

 1. David's appraisal of humanity 14:1-3

14:1 A fool (Heb. nabal) is a person who does not take God into account as he goes about living and who is therefore morally insensitive (cf. 1 Sam. 25:25). He may or may not really be an atheist, but he lives as though there is no God. This conclusion leads him to disregard the revelations God has given of Himself attention to which are essential for wise living (cf. Prov. 1:7; Rom. 1:22). Instead he gives himself over to corrupt living and deeds that are abominable in the sight of God. Really, David observed, there is no one who does what is good in the sight of God on his own (unmoved and unaided by the Spirit of God).

14:2 God does indeed look down on people to assess our condition (cf. Gen. 11:1-9; 18:21). The arrogant materialist of verse 1 is only one example of humanity in general.

14:3 All human beings have turned aside from the wise way of fearing the Lord (cf. Gen. 6:5-6). The result is that they have become corrupt (Heb. alah, lit. sour, like milk) morally. Not one solitary individual does good in the sight of God on his own initiative and in his own strength (cf. Rom. 3:23). It is for this reason that no one can be acceptable to God on the merit of his own works. All need the goodness that only God can provide for us.

 2. God's punishment of the wicked 14:4-6

14:4 David marvelled at the ignorance of the wicked who disregard God and consequently have no regard for His people.

14:5 The wicked are in a dangerous position because God is in the midst of His people. When evildoers persecute the godly, they bring God's punishment on themselves.

14:6 They may seek to frustrate the plans of those they afflict, but God will vindicate His own because they trust in Him. The figure of God as the refuge of His people occurs also in 14:6; 46:1; 61:3; 62:7-8; 71:7; 73:28; and 91:2 and 9.

 3. David's longing for God's kingdom 14:7

In the context the enemy of God's people is all the ungodly of the world from the beginning of history. David longed for God to save His people from these wicked antagonists. Zion was the place where the ark and the Lord resided. David spoke of God Himself delivering His people from all their godless enemies. When David wrote, the godly were captive to the wicked in the sense that the wicked were devouring them (v. 4). Nevertheless the psalmist was confident that the Lord would deliver Israel from the wicked. When He did, Israel would rejoice and be glad. Premillennarians believe this will take place when Jesus Christ returns to earth and sets up His righteous rule for 1, 000 years (cf. Zeph. 3:14-16; Matt. 6:10; Rom. 11:26-27; Rev. 20:1-6).⁴⁸

The time is coming when God will put down all wickedness and judge all the ungodly. That revelation helps His people maintain hope as we continue to experience the antagonism and persecution of those who choose to disregard God.