“But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?”
The address to the wicked and the command that they not declare God's statutes establishes a distinct section addressing those who violate covenant. The reference to the wicked suggests those who have abandoned righteous behavior despite their covenant relationship. The prohibition against declaring God's statutes suggests that the wicked have claimed rights to speak for God and teach divine law despite their failure to observe it. The implication is that the wicked's proclamation of God's law while living wickedly constitutes hypocrisy and blasphemy. This verse shifts from addressing the covenant community to addressing the wicked within and perhaps outside the covenant.
Church Fathers on Psalms 50:16
1. How much avails the Word of God to us for the correction of our life, both regarding His rewards to be expected, and His punishments to be feared, let each one measure in himself; and let him put his conscience without deceit before His eyes, and not flatter himself in a danger so great: for you see that even our Lord God Himself does flatter no one: though He comforts us by promising His blessings, and by strengthening our hope; yet them that live ill and despise His word…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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