4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:

Other Translations of Psalm 50:4

King James Version

4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

English Standard Version

4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

The Message

4 He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he's taking his people to court:

New King James Version

4 He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people:

New Living Translation

4 He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of his people.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 50:4

Commentary on Psalm 50:1-6

(Read Psalm 50:1-6)

This psalm is a psalm of instruction. It tells of the coming of Christ and the day of judgment, in which God will call men to account; and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of judgement. All the children of men are concerned to know the right way of worshipping the Lord, in spirit and in truth. In the great day, our God shall come, and make those hear his judgement who would not hearken to his law. Happy are those who come into the covenant of grace, by faith in the Redeemer's atoning sacrifice, and show the sincerity of their love by fruits of righteousness. When God rejects the services of those who rest in outside performances, he will graciously accept those who seek him aright. It is only by sacrifice, by Christ, the great Sacrifice, from whom the sacrifices of the law derived what value they had, that we can be accepted of God. True and righteous are his judgments; even sinners' own consciences will be forced to acknowledge the righteousness of God.