Psalms 53

1 To him that excelleth on Mahalath. A Psalme of David to give instruction. The foole hath saide in his heart, There is no God. they haue corrupted and done abominable wickednes: there is none that doeth good.

For the music director. According to Mahalath. A psalm (maskil) of David. Only fools tell themselves, “God doesn't exist.” They are completely immoral, they commit terrible sins, not a single one of them does anything good.

2 God looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and seeke God.

God watches from heaven to see if anyone understands, if anyone wants to come to God.

3 Euery one is gone backe: they are altogether corrupt: there is none that doth good, no not one.

They have all fallen away, they are totally depraved; none of them does anything good, not even one.

4 Doe not the workers of iniquitie knowe that they eate vp my people as they eate bread? they call not vpon God.

“Won't these people who do evil ever learn? They consume my people as if they were eating bread, and refuse to pray to me.”

5 There they were afraide for feare, where no feare was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that besieged thee: thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath cast them off.

They will become completely terrified, more frightened than they have ever been. God will scatter the bones of those who fight against you; you will defeat them because God has rejected them.

6 Oh giue saluation vnto Israel out of Zion: when God turneth the captiuitie of his people, then Iaakob shall reioyce, and Israel shalbe glad.

If only God's salvation would come from Zion! When God restores his people, the people of Jacob will celebrate, and the people of Israel will be glad.