“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.”
The warning that God will call into account and the threat that God will tear apart those who forget God establishes imminent judgment. The reference to the wicked forgetting God suggests complete alienation and loss of covenant relationship; the wicked have abandoned the foundational relationship. The image of being torn apart suggests violent divine punishment; judgment will be severe and destructive. The warning form of the address suggests that judgment is imminent unless the wicked repent; opportunity for reversal remains but is passing. This verse introduces the threat of divine judgment that will follow the extended indictment of the wicked.
Church Fathers on Psalms 50:22
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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