Verse

Psalm 50:6

ESV The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
NIV And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.
NASB And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah
CSB The heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God is the Judge. Selah
NLT Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Interlude
KJV And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
NKJV Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Selah

What does Psalm 50:6 mean?

Romans 1:18–20 notes that God's basic attributes are suggested by nature, such that no one has an excuse not to seek Him (Matthew 7:7–8). Psalm 19:1 makes a similar remark about how creation displays God's glory. In this psalm, God is depicted arriving to pronounce judgment, radiating unspeakable glory and power (Psalm 50:1–4). His intent is to pronounce a verdict on Israel, His chosen people (Psalm 50:5). The same creation that speaks to His nature also indicates His right to serve as the ultimate, perfectly righteous Judge over all (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Human judges may commit errors. It is possible for a fallible courtroom to convict an innocent person; also possible is to declare a guilty person innocent. Yet the decisions of God are always accurate and deserved. He alone is perfectly knowing (1 John 3:20) and perfectly good (Psalm 106:1), so His judgments are perfectly correct.

The apostle James urged Christians not to grumble against one another, so they would not be judged. He assured them that "the Judge is standing at the door" (James 5:9). According to Acts 17:31 God has appointed Jesus to judge the world, and He will do so in righteousness. In addressing the Laodicean church, the Lord Jesus identifies Himself as "the faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14). Revelation 19:11–16 pictures Jesus arriving on a white horse to execute judgment on the nations. Verse 11 says He is "called Faithful and True" and declares that "in righteousness he judges and makes war."

Selah is a term without a clear definition. The term seems to imply a break, a reflection, or a moment of praise.
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