Psalms Chapter 52

Dixit insipiens.

The general corruption of man before the coming of Christ.

52:1. Unto the end, for Maeleth, understandings to David. The fool said in his heart: There is no God.

Maeleth. . .Or Machalath. A musical instrument, or a chorus of musicians, for St. Jerome renders it, per chorum.

52:2. They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that doth good.

52:3. God looked down from heaven on the children of men: to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.

52:4. All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together, there is none that doth good, no not one.

52:5. Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, who eat up my people as they eat bread?

52:6. They have not called upon God: there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear. For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.

God hath scattered the bones, etc. . .That is, God has brought to nothing the strength of all those that seek to please men, to the prejudice of their duty to their Maker.

52:7. Who will give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? when God shall bring back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.