Psalms 50:16

God says this to the evildoer: ¹  “How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant? ² 

Ps 25:14; Ps 78:36-38; Pr 26:7; Isa 1:11-15; Isa 48:1,2; Isa 48:22; Isa 55:6,7; Isa 58:1-7; Jer 7:4-7; Eze 18:27; Eze 20:37,38; Mt 7:3-5,22,23; Joh 4:24; Ac 19:13-16; Ro 2:17-24; 1Co 9:27; Heb 8:9; 2Pe 2:15

¹ tn Heb “evil [one].” The singular adjective is used here in a representative sense; it refers to those within the larger covenant community who have blatantly violated the Lord’s commandments. In the psalms the “wicked” (רְשָׁעִים, rÿsha’im) are typically proud, practical atheists (Ps 10:2, 4, 11) who hate God’s commands, commit sinful deeds, speak lies and slander, and cheat others (Ps 37:21).

² tn Heb “What to you to declare my commands and lift up my covenant upon your mouth?” The rhetorical question expresses sarcastic amazement. The Lord is shocked that such evildoers would give lip-service to his covenantal demands, for their lifestyle is completely opposed to his standards (see vv. 18-20).