Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

Psalm 53. This psalm is almost identical to Psalm 14, and the two psalms were probably alternate versions of the same hymn before they were included in the Psalter. The two hymns serve the same function, namely, to mourn the fact that mankind does not seek after God and thus treats God's people cruelly. (See notes on Psalm 14 for exposition.) The chief difference between the two psalms is that 53:5 is as long as 14:5-6 together (and thus 53:6 = 14:7). In 53:5 the psalmist describes in greater detail the terror that will befall the wicked instead of emphasizing God's care for the poor (14:5-6). Also, Psalm 53 uses "God" throughout to refer to the deity, while Psalm 14 uses "the Lord" in several of these places.