DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Psalms 52:1

Psalms 52:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? Doeg was "the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul" (1 Samuel 21:7), or, according to another passage (1 Samuel 22:9), "set over the servants of Saul."

The position would be a high one, and would imply the possession of much physical strength. A sense of tyranny or extreme arrogance seems to attach to the word translated "mighty one" (gibber); see ; .

The word translated "mischief" implies something worse. In it is rendered "wickedness," and is thought to mean, in the Psalms generally, "ruinous, unfathomable evil—destructive malignity" (Canon Cook).

The goodness of God endureth continually. Why not follow the Divine pattern, instead of setting thyself in direct antagonism to it? Canst thou expect to prosper when thou art thus opposed to the Almighty?

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotionalSave my progress

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 52:1

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 52 — OverviewPsalms 52 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid, no doubt, was in very great grief when he said to Abiathar (1 Sam. xxii. 22), "I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house," who were put to death upon Doeg's malicious…Psalms 52 — OverviewPsalms 52 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 52:1, David, condemning the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesies his destruction; Psalms 52:6, The righteous shall rejoice at it; Psalms 52:8, David, upon his confidence in God’s mercy, gives thanks. Psalms 54:3; 1…Psalms 52 — OverviewPsalms 52 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTo the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Of the title "Maschil", See Gill on "Ps 32:1", title. The…Psalms 52:1-5Psalms 52:1-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe title is a brief account of the story which the psalm refers to. David now, at length, saw it necessary to quit the court, and shift for his own safety, for fear of Saul, who had once and again attempted to…Psalms 52:1-9Psalms 52:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION HERE, again, the title is the best guide to the origin, intent, and authorship of the psalm. It is ascribed to David, and said to have been written on the occasion when Doeg the Edomite acquainted Saul with…Psalms 52:1-9Psalms 52:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryA betrayer. The "mighty man" might have been Doeg or some other who had gained notoriety as a betrayer. I. THE ODIOUSNESS OF HIS CHARACTER. It is marked by deceitfulness. Craft and lying are the tools of the betrayer.…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.