David underscores that pretending ignorance of God leads to moral chaos.
David, the writer of this psalm, poses a penetrating question when he says, “Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge, Who eat up My people as though they ate bread And have not called upon God?” (Ps. 53:4). He observes that there are those who act in evil ways, as if they are consuming God’s people without regard for moral awareness. The phrase “Who eat up My people as though they ate bread” (Ps. 53:4) paints an image of complete disregard for the well-being of the righteous. For David, such actions reveal a fundamental failure to recognize that God is the ultimate judge and the One who defends His people.
In asking, “Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge… And have not called upon God?” (Ps. 53:4), David highlights the foolishness of ignoring the Lord’s authority. This question is more than a mere inquiry; it is a rebuke wrapped in wonder. The psalmist suggests that those who reject God’s ways move away from the path of wisdom. Scripture tells us that true wisdom begins with the reverence of the Lord (Prov. 9:10), and those who “have not called upon God” illustrate the outcome of forsaking that reverence. In the broader biblical context, this principle is echoed in passages that declare God’s judgment on those who ignore His guidance (Rom. 1:28).
David’s cry also reflects the confidence he has that God sees and will address such evildoers. Although the wicked may appear to thrive for a time, they do not escape divine justice. This belief resonates with the larger message of Psalm 53, reminding readers that God remains faithful to His covenant people. That same sense of divine faithfulness is echoed in Jesus’ teaching that God will defend the oppressed and hold the wicked accountable (Luke 18:7). Regardless of how daunting the situation may appear, the psalmist’s words express hope that the righteous will ultimately be delivered, and the wicked will face justice.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 53:4 meaning
David, the writer of this psalm, poses a penetrating question when he says, “Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge, Who eat up My people as though they ate bread And have not called upon God?” (Ps. 53:4). He observes that there are those who act in evil ways, as if they are consuming God’s people without regard for moral awareness. The phrase “Who eat up My people as though they ate bread” (Ps. 53:4) paints an image of complete disregard for the well-being of the righteous. For David, such actions reveal a fundamental failure to recognize that God is the ultimate judge and the One who defends His people.
In asking, “Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge… And have not called upon God?” (Ps. 53:4), David highlights the foolishness of ignoring the Lord’s authority. This question is more than a mere inquiry; it is a rebuke wrapped in wonder. The psalmist suggests that those who reject God’s ways move away from the path of wisdom. Scripture tells us that true wisdom begins with the reverence of the Lord (Prov. 9:10), and those who “have not called upon God” illustrate the outcome of forsaking that reverence. In the broader biblical context, this principle is echoed in passages that declare God’s judgment on those who ignore His guidance (Rom. 1:28).
David’s cry also reflects the confidence he has that God sees and will address such evildoers. Although the wicked may appear to thrive for a time, they do not escape divine justice. This belief resonates with the larger message of Psalm 53, reminding readers that God remains faithful to His covenant people. That same sense of divine faithfulness is echoed in Jesus’ teaching that God will defend the oppressed and hold the wicked accountable (Luke 18:7). Regardless of how daunting the situation may appear, the psalmist’s words express hope that the righteous will ultimately be delivered, and the wicked will face justice.