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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 50:4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/50-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_050_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 50:4 - The Mighty One Calls" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/50-3.htm" title="Psalm 50:3">◄</a> Psalm 50:4 <a href="/psalms/50-5.htm" title="Psalm 50:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/50.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/50.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/50.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/50.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/50.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/50.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/50.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/50.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, And the earth, to judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/50.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, And the earth, to judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/50.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, And the earth, to judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/50.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He calls the heavens above, And the earth, to render justice to His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/50.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, And the earth, to judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/50.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />On high, he summons heaven and earth in order to judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/50.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />On high, He summons heaven and earth in order to judge His people.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/50.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He calleth to the heavens above, And to the earth, that he may judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/50.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God comes to judge his people. He shouts to the heavens and to the earth, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/50.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He shall call to the heavens above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/50.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He summons heaven and earth to judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/50.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He calls heaven and earth as witnesses to see him judge his people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/50.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He summoned the heavens above and the earth below, to sit in judgment on his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/50.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/50.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He summons the heavens above, as well as the earth, so that he might judge his people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/50.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that he may judge his people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/50.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/50.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that he may judge his people: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/50.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He calls to the heavens from above, "" And to the earth, to judge His people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/50.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He doth call unto the heavens from above, And unto the earth, to judge His people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/50.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He will call to the heavens from above, and to the earth to judge his people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/50.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He shall call heaven from above, and the earth, to judge his people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/50.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 49:4>He will call to heaven from above, and to the earth, to discern his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/50.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He calls to the heavens above and to the earth to judge his people: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/50.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/50.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He shall call to the heavens from above and to the earth, that he may judge his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/50.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He shall call Heaven from above and to the Earth, to judge his people.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/50.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He calleth to the heavens above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/50.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He shall summon the heaven above, and the earth, that he may judge his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/50-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=5884" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/50.htm">The Mighty One Calls</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Our God approaches and will not be silent! Consuming fire precedes Him, and a tempest rages around Him. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: yiq·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">He summons</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">the heavens</a> <a href="/hebrew/5920.htm" title="5920: mê·‘āl (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Height. From alah; properly, the top; specifically, the highest; also aloft, to Jehovah.">above,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">and the earth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1777.htm" title="1777: lā·ḏîn (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To judge. Or duwn; a primitive roy a straight course, i.e. Sail direct.">that He may judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">His people:</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-32</a></span><br />When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-11.htm">Revelation 20:11-12</a></span><br />Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. / And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Romans 14:10-12</a></span><br />Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a></span><br />For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Acts 17:31</a></span><br />For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-22.htm">John 5:22-23</a></span><br />Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, / so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a></span><br />Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-5.htm">1 Peter 4:5</a></span><br />But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-12.htm">Revelation 22:12</a></span><br />“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-16.htm">Isaiah 66:16</a></span><br />For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/3-12.htm">Joel 3:12</a></span><br />Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the nations on every side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9-10</a></span><br />As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-1.htm">Micah 6:1-2</a></span><br />Hear now what the LORD says: “Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. / Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-1.htm">Deuteronomy 32:1</a></span><br />Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.</p><p class="hdg">call</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a></b></br> And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God <i>is</i> judge himself. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-36.htm">Deuteronomy 4:36</a></b></br> Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a></b></br> I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, <i>that</i> I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:</p><p class="hdg">judge</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/96-13.htm">Psalm 96:13</a></b></br> Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/98-9.htm">Psalm 98:9</a></b></br> Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3,4</a></b></br> And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/36-5.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Summons</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/psalms/50-12.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-3.htm">Summons</a> <a href="/psalms/50-15.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 50</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">The majesty of God in the church</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/50-5.htm">His order to gather his saints</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/50-7.htm">The pleasure of God is not in ceremonies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">but in sincerity of obedience</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/50.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/50.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He summons the heavens above</b><br>This phrase indicates God's supreme authority over all creation. The heavens, often seen as the dwelling place of God, are called to witness His actions. This reflects the biblical theme of God as the Creator who commands the cosmos (<a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>). The summoning of the heavens suggests a divine courtroom where celestial beings are witnesses to God's judgment. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where the heavens declare God's glory and righteousness (<a href="/psalms/19.htm">Psalm 19:1</a>, <a href="/psalms/97-6.htm">Psalm 97:6</a>).<p><b>and the earth</b><br>The inclusion of the earth alongside the heavens emphasizes the totality of God's dominion. Earth, representing the realm of humanity, is also called to witness. This dual summoning underscores the idea that God's judgment is comprehensive, involving both the spiritual and physical realms. It reflects the biblical understanding that all creation is accountable to God (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>). The earth's involvement in divine judgment is seen in other scriptures, such as <a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2</a>, where heaven and earth are called to hear God's case against His people.<p><b>that He may judge His people</b><br>This phrase highlights God's role as the righteous judge of His covenant people, Israel. The concept of divine judgment is central to the biblical narrative, where God evaluates the faithfulness of His people to the covenant established at Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). The judgment is not merely punitive but also corrective, aiming to restore the people to a right relationship with God. This reflects the prophetic tradition where judgment is often a precursor to redemption (<a href="/isaiah/1-27.htm">Isaiah 1:27</a>). The idea of God judging His people is also seen in the New Testament, where Christ, as the ultimate judge, evaluates the faithfulness of His followers (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, God is portrayed as the supreme judge who has the authority to summon both the heavens and the earth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens.htm">Heavens</a></b><br>Represents the celestial realm, often seen as the dwelling place of God and His angels, called upon as witnesses to God's judgment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/earth.htm">Earth</a></b><br>The physical realm inhabited by humanity, also summoned as a witness to the divine judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_people.htm">God's People</a></b><br>Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who are the subjects of His judgment in this context.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a></b><br>The event where God evaluates the actions and faithfulness of His people, emphasizing His role as a just and righteous judge.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God has the ultimate authority to judge, and His judgment is comprehensive, involving both the spiritual and physical realms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses.htm">The Role of Witnesses</a></b><br>The summoning of heaven and earth as witnesses underscores the gravity and fairness of God's judgment. It reminds us that our actions are observed by both the seen and unseen realms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_of_god's_people.htm">Accountability of God's People</a></b><br>As God's people, we are accountable to Him. This verse calls us to reflect on our faithfulness and obedience to His commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_covenant.htm">The Seriousness of Covenant</a></b><br>The invocation of heaven and earth as witnesses to God's judgment highlights the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_judgment.htm">Preparation for Judgment</a></b><br>This verse encourages believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, knowing that we will one day stand before Him in judgment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_50.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 50</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_polygamy.htm">What are the Courts of Heaven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_'waters_above'_clash_with_astronomy.htm">Does the reference to 'waters above the heavens' conflict with modern astronomy? (Psalm 148:4)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_11_4_fit_with_space_travel.htm">If Psalm 11:4 says God's throne is in heaven, how does this align with modern understanding of the cosmos and space travel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_82_1_fit_with_deut._6_4.htm">How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/50.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">He shall call.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">He calls. </span>The poet actually hears the summons go forth calling heaven and earth as witnesses, or assessors (comp. <a href="/micah/6-2.htm" title="Hear you, O mountains, the LORD's controversy, and you strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.">Micah 6:2</a>), of the judgment scene. (Comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm" title="I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto you go over Jordan to possess it; you shall not prolong your days on it, but shall utterly be destroyed.">Deuteronomy 4:26</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/32-1.htm" title="Give ear, O you heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.">Deuteronomy 32:1</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm" title="Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD has spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.">Isaiah 1:2</a>; <a href="/micah/1-2.htm" title="Hear, all you people; listen, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the LORD from his holy temple.">Micah 1:2</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/1_maccabees/2-37.htm" title="But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.">1 Maccabees 2:37</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/50.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He shall call to the heavens from above;</span> rather, <span class="accented">to the heavens above</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> to the inhabitants of heaven - the holy angels. <span class="cmt_word">And to</span> <span class="cmt_word">the earth</span> (comp. ver. 1). <span class="cmt_word">That he</span> <span class="cmt_word">may judge his people.</span> Heaven and earth are called upon to come together, and furnish a fit audience before which the judgment may proceed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/50-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He summons</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְרָ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the heavens</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">above,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעָ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘āl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5920.htm">Strong's 5920: </a> </span><span class="str2">The top, the highest, aloft, to Jehovah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the earth,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֝אָ֗רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that He may judge</span><br /><span class="heb">לָדִ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḏîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1777.htm">Strong's 1777: </a> </span><span class="str2">A straight course, sail direct</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His people:</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/50-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 50:4 He calls to the heavens above (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/50-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 50:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 50:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/50-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 50:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 50:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>