Psalm 50 4

Psalm 50:4 kjv

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

Psalm 50:4 nkjv

He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people:

Psalm 50:4 niv

He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:

Psalm 50:4 esv

He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

Psalm 50:4 nlt

He calls on the heavens above and earth below
to witness the judgment of his people.

Psalm 50 verses

Psalm 50 4 Meaning

Psalm 50:4 declares God's universal authority as He summons all of creation—both heavens and earth—to bear witness and participate as a solemn backdrop to His judgment of His covenant people, Israel. It sets the scene for a divine courtroom, where God acts as the supreme Judge to confront His chosen nation concerning their fidelity to His covenant.

Psalm 50 4 Context

Psalm 50 begins a section known as the "Psalms of Asaph" (Psalms 50, 73-83). This particular Psalm is a prophetic oracle, presented as a divine summons to a celestial court. It opens with God, "the Mighty One, God the Lord" (Ps 50:1), speaking from Zion, the "perfection of beauty" (Ps 50:2). The verse 4 fits within a broader theological lawsuit (rib) that God initiates against His own people, Israel. This is not a judgment on the gentile nations, but on those who have a covenant relationship with Him. The Psalm critiques a misunderstanding of worship, where outward ritual and sacrifice (mentioned in vv. 8-13) replaced genuine obedience, thanksgiving, and righteousness (v. 14, 23). God calls heaven and earth to witness this profound accusation against His chosen, serving as both cosmic jury and silent spectators to the solemn proceedings.

Psalm 50 4 Word analysis

• He calls (יִקְרָא - yiqra)

  • Meaning: Hebrew qara (קרא) signifies "to call out, proclaim, summon, invite, name." The imperfect form yiqra suggests an ongoing or dramatic action.
  • Significance: This is not a mere invitation but a formal, authoritative summons, indicating God's absolute sovereignty and His intent to initiate a legal process. It evokes a courtroom setting where the Judge formally opens the proceedings.

• to the heavens above (אֶל-הַשָּׁמַיִם מִמָּעַל - el hashshamayim mimma'al)

  • Meaning: Shamayim (שָּׁמַיִם) refers to "heaven" or "heavens," often used in the dual form, encompassing the entire sky or celestial realm. Mimma'al (מִמָּעַל) means "from above" or "upward," emphasizing the transcendent nature and height of the heavens.
  • Significance: God calls upon the entirety of the cosmic realm, from its highest reaches, emphasizing the universality and grandeur of His court. Heaven is a witness not just spatially but as an enduring testimony to God's dealings, representing the heavenly host (angels) or the immutable order of creation.

• and to the earth (וְאֶל-הָאָרֶץ - we'el ha'aretz)

  • Meaning: Ha'aretz (הָאָרֶץ) means "the earth" or "land," referring to the terrestrial realm and its inhabitants. The conjunction "and" (we) joins it universally with the heavens.
  • Significance: Completes the cosmic witness. The earth, where human history unfolds and covenants are made, is summoned as a second, complementary witness. It underscores that God's judgment is manifest and applicable across all dimensions of creation.

• that he may judge (לָדִין - ladin)

  • Meaning: From the verb din (דין), meaning "to judge, contend, govern, administer justice." The preposition l (ל) indicates purpose.
  • Significance: This clarifies the explicit purpose of the grand summons. It denotes a forensic action, a process of legal arbitration and decision, not just general rule. It's about rendering a verdict and executing justice based on observed conduct.

• his people (עַמּוֹ - ammo)

  • Meaning: Am (עַם) means "people, nation." The suffix o (וֹ) is the possessive "his." This refers specifically to Israel, the nation God chose and entered into a covenant with at Sinai.
  • Significance: Crucial detail. The judgment is primarily directed at God's covenant people, not a general condemnation of humanity. This emphasizes divine accountability for those who bear His name and received His Law. It's an internal house cleaning, so to speak, rather than an external warfare.

Words-group Analysis:

• "He calls to the heavens above and to the earth": This phrase highlights a divine summoning of universal, cosmic witnesses. This echoes ancient Near Eastern covenant treaty structures, where gods or natural elements were invoked as witnesses to binding agreements. God Himself establishes this grand court, elevating the solemnity and irrefutable nature of the coming judgment. The whole creation, which implicitly bears witness to God's enduring character and commands, is called upon.

• "that he may judge his people": This phrase immediately defines the target and purpose of the majestic summons. It’s a divine reckoning with the covenant community. The specific "judgment" here is corrective, examining their failures regarding covenant obligations rather than solely punitive (though punishment may result). This is particularly impactful because "his people" are the very ones chosen for special favor and instruction, indicating that responsibility increases with privilege.

Psalm 50 4 Bonus section

• The calling of "heavens and earth" as witnesses is a common trope in covenant renewal ceremonies and prophetic warnings (e.g., Deut 30:19, Isa 1:2), signifying the eternal nature of the covenant and the permanence of the witness against any covenant breakers. This is a profound polemic against any polytheistic idea that specific gods rule over specific regions, showcasing YHWH as the sole sovereign over all creation.
• The entire Psalm 50 functions as a rib or "covenant lawsuit" where God formally charges His people. Verse 4 is the commencement of this legal proceeding, providing the proper divine protocol for such an event.
• This cosmic summons also serves to silence any potential argument or denial from the accused; they cannot claim ignorance when the very fabric of existence stands as witness.

Psalm 50 4 Commentary

Psalm 50:4 encapsulates the grand stage-setting for God's impending "theophany of judgment." God, as the supreme and universal Judge, marshals the entire cosmos—heaven and earth—as solemn witnesses to His courtroom proceedings. This is not a hidden or quiet judgment; it is public and manifest, designed to be undeniable and resounding. The unique aspect here is that the judgment is directed specifically towards "His people," Israel. This highlights the foundational principle that privilege implies greater accountability. The divine indictment to follow is aimed not at pagans for their ignorance but at those who claim a covenant relationship with the Living God yet have, through their actions, rendered that relationship empty or superficial, prioritizing external ritual over internal truth and righteousness. The solemnity of creation's witness underscores the gravity of their spiritual departure.