Psalms 50:1
The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
Psalms 50:1
“The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.” This opening of Psalm 50 signals a theophany—the appearance of God’s sovereignty and authority over all creation. The language paints God’s speech as authoritative and expansive, reaching from sunrise to sunset, over every corner of the earth. In the broader psalm, God confronts those who think ritual is enough without true devotion and justice. The shift from a general call to a tribunal-like address prepares the listener for God’s moral indictment and instruction.
This verse asserts God’s rightful lordship over all things and sets the stage for a God-centered ethic. It highlights that worship is not mere ritual, but a response to the God who speaks and acts with power and justice. The phrase “called the earth” implies judgment and accountability before the divine throne. It declares God’s sovereignty and invites reverence and obedience.
In contemporary life, this verse invites a posture of listening to God’s word as authoritative in all areas—ethics, justice, leadership, and personal conduct. It challenges the habit of treating faith as a private add-on rather than a comprehensive framework for living. Practical steps: study Scripture regularly, align decisions with God’s standards, and cultivate integrity that reflects the living God’s call to righteousness. When you hear about social issues, questions, or temptations, measure them against God’s revealed will, not popular opinion.
Cross-References: Psalm 24:1-2; Isaiah 6:1-5; Romans 3:19-20; Hebrews 4:12-13; Joel 2:11