Old Testament
Psalms 53
Human Folly and the Hope of Zion
Overview
Surveying the universal moral corruption rooted in a heart turned away from God, the psalmist traces the inevitable downfall of the wicked before breaking into a longing cry for salvation from Zion — a cry the Catholic tradition reads as a prophetic anticipation of Christ.
Passages
Study Resources
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Psalms 53
1For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.
2God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.
3Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.
4Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God?
5There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.
6Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.