Explanation: In Psalm 14 David describes the nature of those who are morally foolish. The Psalm would fit the time of the Exile when Israel was in bondage to a godless nation, except for the fact that it was apparently written by David, according to the superscription. But the reference to captivity would also apply to a time of persecution and danger for God's people such as those by Saul or by Absalom, both of whom troubled Israel during their time of rule. Among other things, in the Psalm below, the wicked are described (figuratively) as cannibalistic towards God's people. Today's image is of a starving father who is horrified by his thoughts of cannibalism which arise in his heart toward his own children. It is a horror that should be shared, but is not, by those who afflict the people of God.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Psalm 53:1-6. 1 Samuel 19-31. 2 Samuel 15-18. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). Psalm 14 - #1. Psalm 14 - #2. Psalm 14 - #3. ]

     David begins with a description of the fool: "The fool has said in his heart, There is no God." This last phrase can be translated, "has said in his heart, No God," or by implication, "No God (or gods) to me." And, depending on the derivation of "no" ('ayin), the phrase could be translated "Where (is) God." In all of these translations, the underlying idea is that a fool rejects God, whether he believes in him or not. The result is corruption, abominable works, and an absence of worthy behavior (1). In confirmation of this assessment, God looked down from heaven to see if there were any who had understanding or who did good (2). He found none. All of them had turned aside, and had become filthy. None did good. No, not one (3). This lack of goodness manifested itself by the way they treated God and God's people. They figuratively "ate" God's people like bread. They refused to call on God (4). In spite of their self confidence, they (meaning the enemies of God and of his people) were in great fear (or fearful alarm) when they realized (by some demonstration of favor) that God is among those who are righteous (5). Then, addressing the wicked directly, David tells them that they have shamed (or scorned) the counsel of the poor because the poor consider the LORD to be their refuge (6). Nevertheless, David reasserts his confidence in the LORD by praying for deliverance and by noting that when the LORD delivers his people they will rejoice and be glad (7).