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Third Millennium Study Bible
Notes on Psalms 14:1-15:5
The Fool Has Said - Psalm 14:1-7
This psalm may be referred to as a wisdom lament. It conveys an attitude of quiet meditation, while focusing on human evil. Note that Psalm 53 is extremely similar to Psalm 14. Psalm 14 uses God's covenant name, Yahweh, while Psalm 53 substitutes the generic word "God." There is also a difference between verses 5 and 6 of the two psalms.
"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God"" (Psa 14:1). This refers to the opposite of the wise, who knows how to get along in God's world. The fool may be highly intelligent by the world's standards but is oblivious to the true nature of reality (Ecc 2:14).
The Bible does not begin with the idea that it must prove the existence of God. Rather it proceeds from God's apologetic that he exists; "In the beginning God" (Gen 1:1). From this perspective, Van Til has an interesting illustration to interject:
The fool denies that God's existence is relevant to life. This is "practical atheism." See "The Fool - Psalm 53:1-6" below.A non-Chrsitian is like a child sitting on her father's lap, slapping his face. She could not slap him unless he supported her. Similarly, the non-Christian cannot carry out his rebellion against God unless God makes that rebellion possible. Contradicting God assumes an intelligible universe and therefore a theistic one.
Note the use of this psalm by Paul in Romans 3:10-18. In this context foolishness points to lack of morality rather than to lack of intelligence. See WLC 105; WSC 47.
Fallen humanity does not actively seek God (Psa 14:2). Notice what Paul says in Romans 8:7, "For the mind that is set on the flesh:
- is hostile to God
- for it does not submit to God's law
- indeed, it cannot.
The wicked exploit their fellow human beings frequently and shamelessly (Psa 14:4). Such mistreatment is as natural to them as eating bread, the staple of life. They "do not call on the LORD?" This is a sign of unbelieving independence. See WCF 16.7. The have chosen to make their own path, not recognizing that their is only One true narrow path; "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6; Matt 7:13).
The wicked experience dread because God is absent from them in terms of his special love and concern (Psa 14:5). See "The Presence of God: Where are You, God?" below. He is, however, present with the righteous.
In Psalm 14:6 we observe that God can overrule the wicked plans of the evildoers for the good of the afflicted. This principle is illustrated in the Joseph narrative (Gen 50:20) and is applied to the crucifixion in Acts 2:22-24; 4:27-28.
"Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!" (Psa 14:7; 53:6) is instructive. "Zion" is the place where God most personally and directly revealed his presence to the Israelites. See Psalm 9:11. This is a Messianic longing (cf. Psa 2:6). David's call for salvation here is answered in the person of Jesus Christ. Looking back to when the Lord entered Jerusalem, Matthew referenced Zechariah 9:9 saying, "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you'" (Matt. 21:5). Thus the salvation of Israel comes from Zion to the ends of the earth (see "Atoning sacrifice - 1 John 2:2" below).
Who Can Worship God? - Psalm 15:1-5
Psalm 15 focuses on the requirements to approach God's holy presence at the sanctuary. This meditation on holiness, with its connection to law and obedience, reminds the reader of Psalm 1. Its closest analogue in the Psalter is Psalm 24:3-6. These two passages (compare also Isa 33:14-16) have been called "entrance liturgies," since they answer the question "Who can enter the holy place of God?" See HC 112.
Psalm 15:1 says, "who may dwell in your sanctuary" or literally, "tent." Before the Temple was built, God's dwelling with his people was a tent. Ten requirements for entrance follow in Psalm 15: 2-5:
Who then qualifies to enter to worship God? None! If not for the fact that Jesus had gone to Calvary and substituted his life for that of his elect - none could worship. However, in the substitutionary death of Christ for his people, he has replaced their vile depraved lives with his own. See "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us - 2 Corinthians 5:21" below. Williams says,"We see these standards fulfilled in Christ, and then fulfilled in us who abide in Him and walk "not . . . according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Rom. 8:4). Jesus is the One in whom there is no sin (1 Pet. 2:22). He is the One who manifests the righteousness of God, first, for us and, second, in us (2 Pet. 2:24)."
- (1) Those "whose walk is blameless" (Psa 15:2).
- (2) Those who do "what is righteous" (Psa 15:2).
- (3) Those who speak "the truth" (Psa 15:2).
- (4) Those who do "no slander" (Psa 15:3).
- (5) Those who do "no wrong" to their "neighbor" (Psa 15:3).
- (6) Those who "cast no slur" (Psa 15:3).
- (7) Those that "despise a vile man" and "fear the Lord" (Psa 15:4).
- (8) Those that "keep oaths" (Psa 15:4).
- (9) Those "who lend without usury" (Psa 15:5).
- (10) Those who "do not accept bribes" (Psa 15:5).
Related Resources
- The Fool - Psalm 53:1-6
- The Presence of God: Where are You, God?
- Atoning sacrifice - 1 John 2:2
- Overview of the Book of Psalms
- God made him who had no sin to be sin for us - 2 Corinthians 5:21
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