1The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
5There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
6Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
📖 Chapter study
Summary
Nearly identical to Psalm 14, this psalm describes the universal corruption of humanity living as though God did not exist, and expresses a longing for the salvation that will come out of Zion.
Explanation
This psalm repeats almost word for word Psalm 14, but with one notable difference: it uses the generic name 'Elohim' (God) instead of the personal name 'Yahweh/LORD,' suggesting it belonged to a different collection of psalms (the so-called 'Elohistic Psalter,' which avoids the personal divine name) later incorporated into the book. The repetition of the same psalm in two different places suggests it was considered important enough to be preserved in two separate compilation traditions. Its message remains relevant: the folly of living day to day as though God did not matter, even without openly denying Him.