Psalm 14

¹Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.”[#tn Heb “a fool says in his heart.” The singular is used here in a collective or representative sense; the typical fool is envisioned.; #sn “There is no God.” The statement is probably not a philosophical assertion that God does not exist, but rather a confident affirmation that God is unconcerned about how men live morally and ethically (see Ps 10:4, 11).]

They sin and commit evil deeds;

none of them does what is right.

²The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race,[#sn The picture of the Lord looking down from heaven draws attention to his sovereignty over the world.; #tn Heb “upon the sons of man.”]

to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

³Everyone rejects God;[#tn Heb “everyone turns aside.”]

they are all morally corrupt.

None of them does what is right,

not even one!

⁴All those who behave wickedly do not understand –[#tn Heb “all the workers of wickedness.” See Pss 5:5; 6:8.; #tn Heb “Do they not understand?” The rhetorical question (rendered in the translation as a positive affirmation) 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. 5-7).]

those who devour my people as if they were eating bread,

and do not call out to the Lord .

⁵They are absolutely terrified,[#tn Heb “there they are afraid [with] fear.” The perfect verbal form is probably used in a rhetorical manner; the psalmist describes the future demise of the oppressors as if it were already occurring. The adverb שָׁם (sham, “there”) is also used here for dramatic effect, as the psalmist envisions the wicked standing in fear at a spot that is this vivid in his imagination (BDB 1027 s.v.). The cognate accusative following the verb emphasizes the degree of their terror.]

for God defends the godly.

⁶You want to humiliate the oppressed,[#tn Heb “the counsel of the oppressed you put to shame.” Using a second person plural verb form, the psalmist addresses the wicked. Since the context indicates their attempt to harm the godly will be thwarted, the imperfect should be taken in a subjunctive (cf. NASB, NRSV) rather than an indicative manner (cf. NIV). Here it probably expresses their desire or intent (“want to humiliate”).]

even though the Lord is their shelter.

⁷I wish the deliverance of Israel would come from Zion![#sn The deliverance of Israel. This refers metonymically to God, the one who lives in Zion and provides deliverance for Israel.]

When the Lord restores the well-being of his people,

may Jacob rejoice,

may Israel be happy!