50:1 Asaph pictured God as the cosmic Judge summoning all people to stand before Him. The titles Mighty One, God, and Yahweh present the Lord as the greatest of all judges. His ability to command all of humanity also shows His greatness.
50:2-3 God came out of His holy habitation on Mt. Zion to judge. Fire and storms frequently accompanied God in theophanies. They symbolize irresistible judgment and awesome power.
50:4-6 Asaph described God summoning those living in heaven, the angels, and on earth, mortals, to serve as witnesses in the trial. Israel is the defendant. The covenant in view is the Mosaic Covenant under which the nation had obligations to God. The writer called the angels to declare the Judge righteous, a way of affirming that He is just.
