Discovery BoxPsalms 53:2 
Context53:2 God looks down from heaven 1 at the human race, 2
to see if there is anyone who is wise 3 and seeks God. 4
Psalms 53:4
Context53:4 All those who behave wickedly 5 do not understand 6 –
those who devour my people as if they were eating bread,
and do not call out to God.
1 sn The picture of the
2 tn Heb “upon the sons of man.”
3 tn Or “acts wisely.” The Hiphil is exhibitive.
4 tn That is, who seeks to have a relationship with God by obeying and worshiping him.
5 tn Heb “the workers of wickedness.” See Pss 5:5; 6:8. Ps 14:4 adds כֹּל (kol, “all of”) before “workers of wickedness.”
6 tn Heb “Do they not understand?” The rhetorical question expresses the psalmist’s amazement at their apparent lack of understanding. This may refer to their lack of moral understanding, but it more likely refers to their failure to anticipate God’s defense of his people (see vv. 5-6).
