“Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.”
The address as my people and the command to hear God's word establish the intimate relationship and the obligation to listen that characterize covenant. The reference to God bringing a charge suggests that the subsequent speech will constitute an indictment or complaint against the people. The identification as my people emphasizes that the people belong to God and thus bear responsibility to conform to divine standards. The formal language of testimony suggests that the following speech will present evidence against the accused people. This verse introduces the divine prosecution that will occupy the remainder of the psalm.
Church Fathers on Psalms 50:7
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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