Bible Strands
Psalms 52:1
For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses a mighty man after Doeg the Edomite reports to Saul that David visited Ahimelech. The composition is directed to the choirmaster as a Maskil.
The words — The Hebrew תִּתְהַלֵּל (tit.ha.Lel) means "do you boast," linked to בְּרָעָה (Be./ra.'ah), "in evil," while מַה־ (mah-) poses the question "why?"
The thread — The text contrasts human malice with the covenant loyalty of God, which "endures all day long." This enduring loyalty theme appears in Psalms 103:17 and Psalms 107:1, while the warning against arrogant boasting runs through Psalms 94:4.
Why it lands — The passage demands acknowledgment that human schemes are fleeting compared to God's constant faithfulness. It requires readers to place their confidence in divine loyalty rather than the power of the wicked.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
To 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. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
Cross-references
- Psalms 103:17 But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—
- Psalms 94:4 They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.
- Psalms 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
- 1 Samuel 21:7 Now one of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the LORD. And his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief shepherd for Saul.
- Proverbs 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
- Isaiah 59:4 No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.
- Genesis 10:8 Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on the earth.
- Psalms 7:14 Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood.
- Psalms 36:3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
- Psalms 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.